Escalon Pres. Feed the Starving Children Event Mission Outreach - Dave Hall. May 2014

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1 Escalon Pres May 2014! SEEK: to bring others to Faith in Jesus Christ! v SERVE: in Mission locally and globally! SUPPORT: personal Growth through God s Word! v SUSTAIN: a Christ-Centered Fellowship Feed the Starving Children Event Mission Outreach - Dave Hall We met at the Ripon Community Center for our two hour mobile food packaging event for Feed the Starving Children on Saturday May 3. This organization puts on mobile food packaging during the year in different states. All foods packed are by volunteers and are paid for by donations and 96% of the donations go to purchase these foods. We had 36 members along with 6 people from the community that comprised our group. We were part of 160 volunteers for our two hour window of 9 AM to 11 AM. With a word of prayer we started on time and before we all new it they were telling us it was time to start wrapping the last packs up. One of the great things I heard from one of the kids was "I don't want to stop I want to do this all day" That is just a small part of the enthusiasm that our group had. We had a pretty diverse age group from 5 to 70+ and it was great to see smiles on all the faces and hair nets in place. When we were done and they had totaled everything up there were 37,000 meals packed in our two hour session. They told us that was enough meals to feed 103 children one meal a day for a complete year. We closed out our session with a word of prayer. The Lord was truly with all of us on Saturday. May 2014 Newsletter 1

2 Feed the Starving Children Pictures Mission Outreach Salvation Army Pictures Deacons / Mission Outreach 2 May 2014 Newsletter

3 Youth Retreat in Arnold Winter Retreat Pete Santucci ECO Bend It was a pleasure to have Pete Santucci preach for us on May 4. You can listen to his message online on our website. To follow up with Pete s progress in the first ECO church plant in Bend, OR go to cruxbend.com where you can receive updates and consider partnering with him. ECO Updates Online Stay up to date with the continuing growth and movement of our own denomination ECO online at: eco-pres.org. You can sign up for updates on the homepage, read about current events on the blog and dig into the structure and theology on its web pages. Mother s Day 2014 Why I Trust God Join us on Mother s Day, May 11, in which, by tradition, we hear from women of faith in our congregation. This year Patty Mayfield and Corrine Thompson will speak to the question: Why [do] I trust God? May 2014 Newsletter 3

4 All of Creation By Joel Adams From the beginning of time All Creatures of our God and King have been praising their Creator. As I reflect on the vast hymnody about the relationship between God and creation, I am drawn to a reoccurring theme that all Creation worships, not just human beings. The Psalmist writes The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat. Psalm 19: 1-6. It is clear that creation is actively proclaiming the glory of God. What a gorgeous word picture is given of the sky and the sun. It inspires us to join all creation, together in one voice to our God. As a musician, my imagination can run wild with this incredible theme and picture. I can hear and see our church musicians leading us in glorious worship. The choir is vibrant, the organ is majestic, the piano is dazzling, the strings are soaring, and our hearts are full. At the same time the sun is beaming, the gardenias are bursting with flower and fragrance, and the rivers mightily roar. All in a glorious chorus, together. The beauty of what God has designed all points directly to Him. If we are tempted to worship creation, shame on us! Creation is unashamedly worshiping the Creator and pointing us to do the same. It s all around us and touches all of our senses. The hymn text from Creating God, Your Fingers Trace says it with eloquence Creating God, Your fingers trace the bold designs of farthest space; Let sun and moon and stars and light and what lies hidden praise Your might. Let the touch of creation inspire you to join their praise! Son Treasure Island VBS June 16-20, By Ellen Nelson Who wouldn t want to explore a tropical island, with its glittering turquoise waters, warm white sands and cool ocean breezes? Visitors to SonTreasure Island are welcomed by the scent of exotic flowers, the taste of tropical fruits and the captivating sound of island music. But this is no ordinary tropical escape! There is treasure to be found here. More precious than gold, more lasting than diamonds. It is the greatest treasure of all God s love! At SonTreasure Island, your treasure seekers will play island games, create colorful crafts and enjoy tropical snacks. But more importantly, they will discover the rich treasure of God s love through the life of Jesus. Registration Registration forms are online or in the church office. Preregistration is highly recommended before June 11. Volunteers and Donations How can you help? Assistance is needed in the kitchen, craft room, classrooms, and recreation area. You can work for one day or all week. Donations are vital to make VBS a successful community outreach. Look for sign-ups soon in the Faith Center or in the church office. For more information contact Ellen Nelson at or Laura Alcantor at May 2014 Newsletter

5 Session Notes Deacon Notes By Cheryl Hall By Marsha Love Session of Escalon Presbyterian Church met on Tuesday, April 15th, 2014 at Escalon Presbyterian Church. Our moderator, Rev. Troy Onsager, opened with prayer at 7:10 PM PT Troy explained the new categories of membership in a ECO congregation. They are baptized members and covenant partners, this is according to the ECO Polity and Discipline Booklet. There will be additional discussion on baptism records. May 18th is the last day for Sunday School classes. Changing to the summer schedule was discussed. A decision was not made on the starting date, or the time services would start each Sunday. Many of the Session Teams discussed upcoming events: Mission has Feed My Starving Children on May 3, around 30 people have signed up to participate. Church Life has a golf tournament on June 22 and the annual church picnic will be held in August at the Community Center Park this year. Youth is focusing on VBS the week of June They are planning for 175 children. They will be looking for volunteers in many different areas of this week long event. Adult Ministries is excited about a possible change in direction in providing classes and material for the congregation regarding their personal growth with God. Pastor Troy feels this new program would be a very good fit for our congregation. More discussions and info to come on this. Pastor Troy will be attending The West Coast Pastor s Conference in April and EPC will have a guest speaker for Sunday, May 4th, Pete Santucci, an ECO Church Planter. Pastor Troy will also be attending an ECO meeting in Dallas, Texas, in August. EPC is also allowed to send one delegate to this meeting. We were blessed by your generous donations to this year s Deacon Sunday offering. Thank you! Your gifts enable us to support activities within our church and within our community. We were also blessed by Erma Jeanne Barton s donation of outdoor items and indoor household goods as she recently moved to Casa de Modesto. Thank you for a successful one day cash-and-carry sale. We wish her well in her new home. Our March Salvation Army dinner at Modesto s Homeless Shelter was another success. Sean Tidball s award-winning chili along with Lori Macsenti s delicious corn bread was given a sitting-ovation. Our guests are too busy eating to stand unless it is in line for seconds or thirds. They always look forward to Escalon Presbyterians meals. Thank you for your support in this mission-outreach endeavor with your donation of cookies, your time preparing and serving. Deacons look forward to the celebration of Easter. Your Deacon, possibly a new Deacon to you, mailed Easterservice cards. Not only should you know your Deacon s name by now, but also their face. We were a bit surprised to find our photos on the cards, but all the better to recognize us. Palm crosses were given on Palm Sunday. Easter lilies, in memory or honor of someone, were available with your donation as was the large white cross again this year. We noticed that many took family photos with the floral cross. It was indeed a glorious sign that He has risen! We appreciate your continuous C.A.R.E. support of monthly food contributions. EPC is a major contributor to the Escalon Ministerial Association s food distribution project. If you or your family has need for prayer or other needs, please contact your Deacon or the church office. We wish to be of service to you. Meeting adjourned with prayer at 8:35 p.m. May 2014 Newsletter 5

6 LGT Senior Sock-Hop May 31 The LGT s are having a Sock-Hop on May 31st, from 5:00pm - 7:30pm in the Faith Center. Dave Hall will be featured as the Hop-Sing Dave Hall!. We will be having Chinese food. Wear a pair of socks and win a prize! Also, bring a new pair of socks for your donation to the Modesto Gospel Mission. Tickets will be between $ $8.00 (depending on attendance). For information or questions contact Dee Mostowski or Diane Goodrich. Shoe Drive Fundraiser May - June Casa de Modesto in Modesto is having a Shoe Drive Fundraiser, May 1 - June 30. They would like to collect pairs of shoes that are new or gently used. They will be shipping the shoes to impoverished people in developing nations. The shoes create jobs in cleaning and repairing them. The goal is to have 300 bags of shoes. Please place your shoes wrapped with a rubber band in the Faith Center C.A.R.E. garbage can. Calvin Crest Jr. High July Mike Fahey Calvin Crest Jr. High camp will be July Cost is $424.00* *Half Scholarships (50%) available for EPC attenders and participants of our Youth Group. Scholarship requirement is the initial deposit as well as individual participation in EPC Calvin Crest Fundraiser. If you are interested, please contact Mike Fahey Golf Fundraiser June 22 On June 22nd there will be a Golf Tournament Fundraiser to benefit Pastor Troy s continuing education. Escalon Golf Course 2pm tee time, Putting Contest, etc. Food for purchase as well More details to come EPC Youth Group May - Mike Fahey EPC Youth Group will be meeting from 6:30pm - 8:30pm in the Youth Room. For further information contact our Youth Director Mike Fahey. Come join us and have some great fellowship, teaching and fun! Women s Studies May 1:30 pm - Women s Circle Women s Circle meets on Monday May 12, 1:30 in the Fireside Room. May 7 pm - S.I.S. S.I.S. Bible Study meets on Monday May 19, at 7:00 pm in the Fireside Room. Come and join us! 6 May 2014 Newsletter

7 BIRTHDAYS MAY Troy Onsager Rick Jones Jon Wann Kevin Brown Patti Duncan Tom Walls Joyce Noble Sean Dodge Jeff Hood Bere Lindley Clayton Ferreira Rodney Alcantor Marylin Golden Clint Voorhees Kaia Machado Barbara Voorhees Richard Thompson Hailey Brown Mike Fahey MAY 4 THOSE WHO SERVE Trustees Tom Love Greeters Dicksie Woodward Lay Leader Steve Reader Sound Rick Jones Nursery Cheryl, Alicia, Tony, Shelby, Ethan Fellowship Laura Alcantor Flowers The Bruns Family MAY 11 THOSE WHO SERVE Trustees Dick Nelson Greeters Dave & Margy Sawyer Lay Leader Jayne Fahey Sound Dave Hall Nursery Julie, Charlie, Dee, Mary, Zach Fellowship Mother s Day Flowers Teresa Allbaugh MAY 18 THOSE WHO SERVE ANNIVERSARIES MAY 3 Clint & Barbara Voorhees 21 Mike & Leslie Pettinger 28 George & Jacqueline Murphey ASSIGNMENTS MAY Welcome Jeff Hood Deacon Barbara Jones Prayer Team Margy Sawyer, Jeff Hood Communion Sherry, David, Jennifer, Mervin Trustees Bob McCune Greeters Pat Brown Lay Leader Dave Hall Sound Bob McCune Nursery Sherry, Dawn, Lisa, Hailey, Clayton Fellowship Welcome Baby Beard Luncheon Flowers Linda & Breanne Fourmont MAY 25 THOSE WHO SERVE Trustees Rick Dodge Greeters Don & Janet Nickerson Lay Leader Dan Adams Sound RIck Jones Nursery Richard, Carol, Ellen, Sarah, Wyatt Fellowship Dawn Machado & Sherry Branscombe Flowers Barbara Jones May 2014 Newsletter 7

8 May 2014 April 2014 S M T W T F S May 2014 S M T W T F S June 2014 S M T W T F S Escalon Presbyterian Church US Holidays Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Pastor Troy at West Coast Pastor's Conference :00 PM Chancel Choir 6:30 PM VBS Meeting C.A.R.E. Sunday - Rice 4 Cinco de Mayo 6:30 PM Young Adult Group 5 7:00 PM Trustees Meet 6 7:00 PM Chancel Choir 7 2:00 PM Girl Scouts Meet 6:00 PM Tisha DeHaven Piano Recital 8 9:30 AM Mom's Time Out 9 10 Mother s Day 11 1:30 PM Women's Circle :00 PM Chancel Choir 6:30 PM Deacons Meet :30 PM Young Adults Group 7:00 PM Session Meeting 7:00 PM S.I.S. Bible Study 19 Newsletter Deadline 20 7:00 PM Chancel Choir Memorial Day :30 PM Young Adult Group :00 PM LGT Senior Sock- Hop Page 1/1 8 May 2014 Newsletter