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

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1 Grapevine April 2016 Our Easter Egg hunts and delicious Easter meals may be over, but Easter is still with us as we celebrate the liturgical season of Easter for the next 40 days. While the 40 days of Lent were for us to look inward, these 40 days of Easter are for us to look outward. After Easter Jesus revealed himself to his disciples telling them to Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. Christians have embraced this Great Commission from the beginning. But how do we do this? How do we reach out to share God s great news with those around us? The first thing to remember is that Christ did not say that it would be easy or that anyone will want to listen. But that should not stop us. As Easter people we are commissioned to share this good news as best we can where we live within our own communities with our words and deeds. Your session is exploring answers to those questions. One possibility is engaging in a Neighborhood Experience day - an opportunity to learn the heart language of our community. It gives a congregation the opportunity to start connecting to the community when they aren t sure where to start. This Neighborhood Experience workshop is sponsored by the 1001 Ministries program of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. There are other possibilities as well. As one pastor said: there is no special fairy dust that we can sprinkle on people outside our community to come to our church. We now live in a time of dramatic societal changes and the church must reengage the world in new and different ways. (continued on page 2) Mission Statement: Worship God. Equip Disciples. Love and Serve the World. Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 AM Yorba Linda Presbyterian Church E. Yorba Linda Blvd. Yorba Linda, CA articles to info@ylpc.org

2 From the Pastor (continued from page 1) We must first start with ourselves and our willingness to ask new questions. But perhaps more important is the task of listening in a new way to our communities - to listen with our eyes, ears and heart. What is the community saying to us? Where is our community hurting that we might be able to provide the hope and healing that only God offers? The answers may not come easy, but it is worth continuing on the journey as God s Easter people. May God bless the next steps of our journey together. Ann I want to thank everyone who made our Holy Week services special - all of our incredibly talented musical groups, sound operators, ushers, greeters, the CE Committee who helped to decide the Good Friday service, Glenn Green - our artist-inresidence for his willingness to create our mosaic (in process), the Deacons for their assistance with our Easter refreshments and all of the staff. Thank you for being the village of God! Check Out Our New Website at YLPC.org We are excited to announce the soft launch of our newly renovated website! We are hoping to have the site complete within the next month. It is a work in progress, but take a look and let us know what you think. We have put significant thought and time into this process in order to have the site be easy to use and informative, not just for members but for visitors looking for more information. Be sure to check back often! PNC Update Progress is a wonderful word. We have been moving forward since July and now we are down to four finalists for our next pastor. By the end of April we will have been together with each of them, heard them preach and conducted additional interviews of each one. From 150 to four, and Lord willing down to one! And, He is willing! Does that mean we will have a pastor by the end of April? NO, it still takes work on the part of our committee to finalize our decision and then to present that candidate to the Committee on Ministry and to have Presbytery interview and question them to insure they are qualified and willing to be our pastor. We know that each of the four would love the opportunity to serve our congregation and the difficulty will be to only be able to say YES to one. So, we are getting close and, like you all, are anxious to start the next leg of the YLPC adventure. We are thankful to Pastor Ann for all her hard work with us and her service to our congregation. Pray even harder during the coming month as the biggest decisions will be made and the committee's continued desire is to decide with the power of the Spirit doing the guiding. Thank you. John Israel, Moderator Karen Green Dustin Hitt Teresa Stevens Carol Jacobs Committee Members John Hollon Lauren Kittredge Cathy Hess Dick Vouga 2

3 Children's Choir Festival On Sunday April 10, the boys and girls of the Kirk and Celebration Choirs will attend the annual Chorister's Guild Southern California Choir Festival. Our dedicated young singers have been working hard at memorizing the three required anthems that the entire ensemble will perform together, as well as a solo anthem. Each year, the festival brings children's church choirs from all over the area together to join in an exciting day of learning and music. After an afternoon of rehearsing and being taught new musical skills by a guest conductor, the boys and girls will share their music in an uplifting service of music and praise. Our own Janet Thorson has been given the honor of serving as the guest organist for this service. We welcome the members of the congregation to join us on April 10 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 600 St. Andrew's Road in Newport Beach. There is ample parking in the area and a large sanctuary for plenty of seating. It promises to be an inspiring and memorable afternoon! PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN LOS RANCHOS PRESBYTERY Earth Day Spring Gathering Saturday, April 23, :30 am Refreshments, Registration & Fellowship 10:00 am Program 12:00 Noon Luncheon Norwalk Presbyterian Church Rosecrans Norwalk, CA Stories of Water Today Eve Simmons An environmental advocate and photojournalist, Eve is knowledgeable on our oceans, extreme weather conditions, environmental issues and their solutions. She speaks in schools, universities and communities, and has lobbied for action locally and in Washington DC. Relay for Life Relay for Life will be held on August 5-6 beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday and concluding on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. at Yorba Linda Middle School. This year the city of Placentia and Yorba Linda are joining together as one team. The kick off will be held on April 25 at 5:00 p.m. at the Nixon Library. For more information about the event or to sign up for luminaries, please contact LaVerne Stern at or tinker60@msn.com. 3

4 Youth Ministries March was an exciting time in student ministries! We tried new things and are looking forward to new adventures in faith. Students had the opportunity to participate in a wonderful drumming workshop during Sunday Night Fellowship. Our very own Sandy Wooldridge came in and used drums along with an inspiring talk to illustrate the principles in Ephesians 2. It was a special time for us to reflect on our individuality and God's unconditional love and grace. Students were also invited to a special dinner on Good Friday before our worship service. In Sunday school, we are continuing to explore what it means to be a Christian in today s world and how we can reflect His word in our daily actions. Planning for the youth summer mission trip has begun. The trip will be August 4-7 in San Diego where students will participate in a food based ministry helping the homeless, and those living in poverty. The trip is open to students entering 7th grade through students graduating in June Families need to sign up by Sunday, April 10. For more information, please contact Michelle Almeida at studentministries@ylpc.org. Youth Sunday Night Fellowship Movie Night: Sunday, April 3 the youth will meet from 6:00-8:30 p.m. We will enjoy popcorn and candy while we watch the movie God is Not Dead, followed by a discussion. Please invite a friend! Donation Drive April 17 Clean out your closets and drawers and help the youth get to San Diego for their summer mission trip! Mark your calendar for the YLPC Youth Ministries Donation Drive with Savers Thrift Store on Sunday, April 17, from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. in the church s parking lot. We will be collecting gently-used clothing, shoes, accessories, books, linens, and small household items (no furniture) to raise funds for the upcoming mission trip to San Diego. Bring your items to church on the morning of Sunday, April 17, or stop by between 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. on that day. We will also accept items at church on April 10. Please package hard and soft goods separately. If you need bags, they are available in the church office during office hours and will be available on the patio after church on Sunday. 4

5 Presbyterian Women April Birthdays 2016 PCC & YLPC Women s Retreat The weekend of March 11-13, Placentia Presbyterian Church (PCC) and Yorba Linda Presbyterian Church (YLPC) women joined together at Tahquitz Pines Christian Retreat Center in Idyllwild to hear Rev. Tamara John speak on how to live in JOY as if our life depends on it Because it does! Her theme, Stop, Drop and Roll, explained how during times of crisis we need to STOP everything DROP to our knees to connect with God, and ROLL over in surrender to allow God s power to fully take over in us with His unconditional love and strength that only Jesus our Savior can give. That continuous connection with God, spoken of in scripture, is maintained by reading the Word, being in Christian community, and through prayer. Rev. Tamara John picked a very relevant topic for women. She spent the weekend during five sessions equipping us with the tools and knowledge necessary to claim the life God created each of us to have as found in John 15:7, If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you ; to be able to recognize and address the lies the world uses to draw us away from God, and get us caught up in false promises. Stop, Drop and Roll taught us how to remain in Him by keeping our focus on God through all of life s events, and seeing ourselves and others as God sees us; we are each His unique gift. We are to be vertically focused, not horizontally focused. She led with humor, creativity, honesty, excitement, and was very engaging. Her love and enthusiasm for God and the message of Christ blessed and inspired us all. Ine Budiardjo 4/01 Elizabeth Marchant 4/04 Janet Triplett 4/04 Connie O Neil 4/06 Timothy Matthews 4/07 Deidra Schriever 4/10 Sarah Smathers 4/17 Jessica Nicholson 4/18 Clare O Neil 4/18 Doug O Neil 4/19 Brenda Long 4/20 Irvin Frances 4/23 Alex Park 4/24 Christy Vis 4/25 Anne Denny 4/26 February 2016 Financial Report OPPERATING FUND Summary Results: Through February, we expected to receive $56,833 and actually received $60,916. Also through February, we expected to spend $65,294 and actually spent $61,006. We reserved $6,844 for funds budgeted but not spent. MORTGAGE REDUCTION FUND This year we have received contributions of $4,370 and paid $7,604 in principal. 5

6 Session Notes from March March Session activities included the following: Annual Records review took place in La Mirada on 3/5. Our 2015 Minutes and Church Register were approved and found in order. (yay!) The Session approved February Session and Congregational minutes. Worshipful work focused on the Book of Order, F This evening s focus was The Marks of the Church, the Unity of the Church, The Holiness of the Church and the Catholicity of the Church. Small group discussions were held and shared. This led to a longer dialogue regarding what have you, the congregation and the session learned during our interim time? What do you think we still need to learn? How do we talk to the congregation about this time of transition? Ideas such as letters, a town hall, a celebration, etc. were discussed and will continue next month. Pastor Ann shared a video from 40Acts. Showing a Missional church reaching out into the community. She then passed out a brochure for a Neighborhood Experience Workshop to be held at Claremont Pres on 4/ from She asked for volunteers to attend with her to determine if this presentation would be good for YLPC. Hearing none, she urged those interested to her before 3/29. Since many elders were absent, this summary will be shared with them, also. The Deacon s representative, LaVerne Stern reported that they will be serving a light soup dinner prior to Maundy Thursday services. The Nominating Committee reported they continue to meet biweekly to fill the 4 elder, 4 deacon and 3 nominating committee openings. They have some filled already and are waiting to hear from others. The PNC Committee shared that they are working hard on narrowing down a small, well-qualified list of candidates. They will have an article in the Grapevine explaining the process and an announcement will be given on Sunday, 3/20 by Elder Karen Green. They continue to ask the congregation for prayers. CE submitted a written report and brought forth two motions. Approved: the Youth pursue a fundraising opportunity with Savers; and Youth to organize mission trip with New Visions in San Diego for 8/4-7/16. The Mission Committee submitted a written report. The Elders were not in attendance but Pastor Ann reminded the Session that the One Great Hour of Sharing will be collected this Sunday. Worship Committee submitted a written report and also passed around a Communion sign-up sheet. Holy Week services were shared and Elder Dave Nicholson will have a refresher class for those running the sound board prior to Holy Week. Personnel had no report. Facilities shared that all lights will be fixed by Easter. Motion approved subject to Facilities satisfaction and working out details for Rolling Robots, a tech program for kids to use our facilities during the summer. It was also tentatively approved by Session to allow a Voter Registration training on our campus subject to working out all details and pricing. It was suggested that Facilities come up with a pricing sheet for facility usage. Stewardship shared the financial good news. Receipts higher than expected and expenses lower than expected. Reports sent via . Approved: allow a collection on Maundy Thurs and Good Friday. Pastor Ann shared prayer concerns and encouraged Session to be aware of those who haven t attended and reach out to them. Also prayers for Pastor Ann as this time of transition for her takes place. The Clerk shared an from Buck and Cindy Buchanan. It is with regret we transfer their membership to First Presbyterian Church in Marietta, Georgia. With this transfer, our membership is 218. The meeting adjourned at 9:25 PM Copies of the minutes are available for review in the church office with prior request. Respectfully submitted, Chris Hill Clerk of Session 6

7 April Upcoming Events: Youth Movie Night Sunday, April 3 6:00 p.m. Children s Music Festival Sunday, April 10 4:00 p.m. Adult Education Wednesdays, April 13 (7 weeks) 7:00 p.m. Youth Donation Drive Sunday, April 17 12:00 p.m. Mighty Moms Tuesday, April 19 6:30 p.m. Monday Church Office Closed Hot Meals 3:00 p.m. (Second Monday of the month) Missions Meeting 6:30 p.m. (First Monday of the month) Pastoral Nominating Committee 6:00 p.m. 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) 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 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) Nominating Committee 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 9:30 a.m. Celebration Choir 10:45 a.m. Youth Fellowship 6:00 p.m. (First Sunday of the month) Singles 11:00 a.m. (Second Sunday of the month) HIS Picnic 1:00 p.m. (Fourth Sunday of the month) Please note: Our apologies to those we missed in our March birthdays. We hope you enjoyed your day! Sara Ros 03/26 Ken Hess 03/29 Kyle Paul Criswell 03/30 Libby Ragole 03/28 Marlies Lunger 03/29 Emily Green 03/30 7

8 Yorba Linda Presbyterian Church E. Yorba Linda Blvd. Yorba Linda, CA Worship God. Equip Disciples. Love and Serve the World. April Events April 3 Sunday Night Youth Fellowship April 10 The Singles Brunch will meet after worship at the Blue Agave April 11 Hot Meals 3 p.m. Orangethorpe Christian Church April 13 Adult Education Class Begins Who Do You Say I Am 7:00 p.m. April 17 Youth Donation Drive 12:00 p.m. 2:oo p.m. April 19 Mighty Moms