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 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress. James 1:22, 27 I just try to be a good person. I ve heard many people describe what it means to be a Christian that way. While some might place a greater emphasis on what we believe, I don t think this accent on actions is that far off base. Augustine of Hippo wrote, When we ask how good a person is, we do not ask what they believe or what they hope for but what they live. Over the next several weeks, we ll be studying the book of James together in worship. It s a letter written to those who already believe in Christ. They have heard the good news, professed their faith and are part of the Christian family. For them and for us, James answers the question: Now what? These words of scripture call us to act out our faith in everyday life. What we believe about Christ is supposed to show in how we live. The personal acts of faith we engage in praying and reading scripture, attending worship are to result in public action that benefits others. As Christians, we are called to acts of love and mercy that help the poor, to give a voice to those who have been silenced, to engineer success for those carrying a heavy burden and to comfort those who are sick. And that s fine. We know that. I think the fresh gift that the book of James has for us over the coming weeks is a chance to consider what it means to live a life of integrity. Integrity means that you are the same, even when it s not convenient, even when no one is watching. It means that you don t have a work you a family you and a church you. You are YOU all the time. On the one hand, this is hard work. It takes a huge amount of mindfulness and self-discipline to be the same person, no matter the surroundings. It takes courage not to be swayed by the values and perspectives of those around us. Most of all, it takes strength of character to continually shape our actions in line with what the bible teaches us to do and be. But on the other hand, being a person of integrity makes life so much easier. We don t have to cave in to peer pressure, manage our appearances or submit to anyone else s idea of what s right. All we need to do is keep our eyes on Christ and live as he intends. Simple. And challenging. Are you up for that challenge? With you in ministry, Lynn September 2018 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 Summer Arts Camp Sabbath. Relax. Reset. Refresh. This year s Summer Arts Camp was the best one yet, according to enthusiastic feedback! We welcomed our largest number of artists yet (no talent required!) including friends from the community. Many thanks to the more than 30 volunteers who helped make this week such a success! 2

3 Missions Mission Possible Even over the summer, the Mission Committee is staying busy in our community! Our members have continued to serve at Hot Meals and HIS Picnic, and held a Blood Drive on July 7. With your help, we collected foodstuffs for Meal for a Meal for the Yorba Linda Foodbank and had a successful fundraiser at Wise Guys Pizzeria, netting $159 for the backpack mission. Speaking of backpacks, WOW! On July 29, we stuffed 53 backpacks and about two dozen more pencil cases with the help of several of our youth and other caring helpers for the children and teens living in Oakcrest Terrace. After we delivered them, our contact, Blanca Arellano wrote, AMAZING!!! The teen backpacks were a HUGE hit and we could use more next year. The kids were excited about opening the backpacks and exploring their contents. A few of them looked like they were unwrapping Christmas gifts they were so happy! What s next for Mission? So glad you asked! Oakcrest Terrace has requested tutors for the YMCA-led After School Program. This would be a weekly commitment, and volunteers would register through YMCA. If you are interested, please let Roxanne Ford, Gigi Kelley or Lynn know, and consider joining us for an informational meeting on September 16 in Room 6 after church. November may sound far away, but it s just around the corner. We will host a luncheon on November 4 for two of the families who have moved into the McFadden Houses and Habitat for Humanity OC s CEO, and we look forward to a revamped Alternative Christmas Fair on November 18. Like the children at Oakcrest, we are grateful that when we ask, YLPC responds in the most AMAZING ways. Truly, with God, all things are possible! Make a Joyful Noise MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE! Janet Keulen Thorson, Director of Music/Organist jthorson@ylpc.org 714/ The choirs of YLPC once again gather to start the new church year. 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. The Choirs of Yorba Linda Presbyterian Church ADULTS-Chancel Choir Thursdays 7:30-9:00 p.m. Sanctuary/Choir room Starts 9/6 Janet K. Thorson, Director jthorson@ylpc.org YOUTH-Jubilate (6 th -12 th ) Sundays 10:45-11:45 a.m. Choir Room Starts 9/9 Jessica Nicholson, Director jnicholson@ylpc.org KIDS-Celebrate Singing (K-5 th ) Thursdays 4:30-5:30 p.m. Choir Room Starts 9/13 Jessica Nicholson, Director jnicholson@ylpc.org JoD Apitz, Music Assistant japitz@ylpc.org BELL CHOIR-Gloria Ringers ADULT/HIGH SCHOOL Thursdays 6:15-7:30 p.m. Sanctuary Starts 9/13 Roxanne Ford, Director mrford47@gmail.com 3

4 Youth Ministry Youth group had a great time this summer serving in our local communities and beyond. One of the things that I love about serving alongside these kids is that I get to witness the hearts they have for serving Jesus by serving others. They are kind and compassionate, and bring light to any situation. We also had some time to play; spending time together at Arts Camp, movies in the park, and the beach. As school begins and students are thrust into school activities and homework, my hope is that their time at church can be a peaceful respite from the business of their lives; a place where they can be themselves, relax, and learn what it means to be a follower of Christ. They can learn this from our lessons, but also by being an active participant in the life of the church and observing how our congregation interacts with each other and the community. I look forward to another great year of worship, fellowship, and service. Youth Choirs It's that time again! Youth and children's music groups are starting a new year in September. We have a lively and fun experience available for kids who love music! Celebrate Singing, a music experience for children K-5 th grade, begins Thursday, September 13. Classes are 4:30-5:30 p.m. We sing, play music games, learn music theory, play chimes and rhythm instruments, and more! For teens, Jubilate, a singing group for middle and high school students, meets Sundays 10:45-11:45 a.m. and starts on Sunday, September 9. YLPC's music program for young people is open to all community members, and church membership or attendance is not required. If you're reading this, you probably know a young person whose needs the gift of music--so please share the word! If you'd like to share a Celebrate Singing postcard with a neighbor or friend, they are available to pick up at the visitor station (just look for the bright yellow card!), or provide an address and we will mail one for you. More music ministry information can be found at ylpc.org, or contact Jessica at jnicholson@ylpc.org. 4

5 Los Ranchos Anniversary Celebration OUR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION 50 years in the making Menu featuring Small Delights Memories, Music & Merriment 4 p.m. Sunday, October 14 Placentia Presbyterian Church $10 Donation RSVP on our website at Office Closed 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 Anna Campbell 9/21 Brent McCracken 9/21 Madeline Neufeld 9/21 Jeff Dotson 9/23 Carol Hulsey 9/23 Jodi Elmore 9/25 Leslie O Neil 9/27 Audrey Almeida 9/30 The YLPC Office will be closed on Tuesday, September 4 in observance of Independence Day. We will reopen on Wednesday, September 5 for regular office hours. Calling all YLPC women! Presbyterian Women! It is almost time for our Circles to begin. We meet on the second Tuesday of the month, with sessions in both the morning and evening. This year our Horizon's Bible Study will be entitled God s Promise: I Am With You. The cost is $12. If you are looking for a wonderful small group study and friendship, then joining a Circle is right for you. Sign-up on September 2 The first meeting will be on September 11.

6 Session Notes from August August Session activities included the following: The Session gathered together after a Sabbatical in July. With the removal of Nancy Reynen and the addition of new members Marilyn Johnson, Brigette Brink, Carol Hulsey, Chuck and Wendy Grieb and Betty Buzby, membership is now 225. Lynn shared a Pew Study on 10 Reasons Americans go to church and 9 Reasons they don t. The study was discussed by the Session members present. Deacon Ila Hitt highlighted activities including the recent addition of a youth representative, Ava El-Farra; Daily Bread devotionals have arrived, upcoming fellowship activities and the future return of Dinner with Friends. Lynn also reported the loss of Kim Wisnia s husband, Cory. A service will be held on August 31. Worship committee reported congregational feedback regarding the new seating arrangement in the sanctuary. Session approved the purchase of 220 new Glory to God hymnals. Christian Ed shared the success of Arts Camp. Feedback and suggestions were shared in regards to next year s Camp. They also received Session approval for a Youth Group Beach Event on 8/26. Facilities shared a worksheet with status updates on campus projects. Slow women s toilets and the urgent need to clear the hallway behind the sanctuary were discussed. The committee requested that future costs of replacement air conditioners be placed in the budget. Mission committee supplied backpacks for Oakcrest Terrace students. The fundraiser raised about half the cost and was a great success. Plans are starting for the Alternative Christmas Fair on 11/18. New vendors will be sought. More banners will be used to make the campus more visible. Personnel reported they have completed revised job descriptions but expect that they will be continually evolving. Stewardship provided two months of financials along with the completed 2017 Financial Review. The Committee is hard at work planning October s pledge campaign. The new cash night deposit system is working great. Elders were encouraged to join the YLPC prayer list to be aware of any concerns with our congregation. Respectfully submitted, Chris Hills Clerk of Session July 2018 FINANCIAL REPORT OPERATING FUND: Summary Results: Through July, we expected to receive $256,083 and actually received $310,079. Also through July, we expected to spend $248,710 and actually spent $228,017. And reserved $23,989 for funds budgeted but not spent. Operating Mtg. Reduction Total Cash Position $ 369,949 $ 29,321 $ 399,270 Less: Restricted Funds* $ 124,404 $ - $ 124,404 Unrestricted Funds $ 245,545 $ 29,321 $ 274,866 * 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 $22,120 and paid $12,722 in principal. 6

7 Upcoming Events: September Office Closed Tuesday, September 4 Singles at Reunion Kitchen Sunday, September 9 11:00 a.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) Wednesday Church Office 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Deacons Meeting 6:00 p.m. (First Wednesday of the month) Stewardship Committee 6:00 p.m. (Second Wednesday of the month) Worship Committee 7:00 p.m. (Second Wednesday of the month) Missions Committee 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 4:30 p.m. Resumes September 13 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. Resumes September 9 Christian Education Meeting 10:45 a.m. (First Sunday of the month) ** Not meeting in September Single Ladies Brunch 11:00 a.m. (Second Sunday of the month) HIS Picnic 1:00 p.m. (Fourth Sunday of the month)

8 Yorba Linda Presbyterian Church E. Yorba Linda Blvd. Yorba Linda, CA September Events September 4 Office Closed September 9 Singles Group Reunion Kitchen September 10 Hot Meals 3 p.m. Orangethorpe Christian Church September 23 HIS Picnic- La Habra Hills Presbyterian