INSIDE. Get Ready for The Space

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Bryce Colin Long
5 years ago
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We are to work hard, (that's the Protestant work ethic after all) but there needs to be space in our life. I find that I appreciate margins and some room to breathe.

1 Get Ready for The Space The world changes and we respond. I was listening to someone the other day go on about how Busy is the new Fine. You know the answer to the age old question of How are you doing? I must admit that most of the times my answer is, busy. I don't think that this is the way life is supposed to be. We are to work hard, (that's the Protestant work ethic after all) but there needs to be space in our life. I find that I appreciate margins and some room to breathe. This is the innovation that we will be testing out for a few weeks this fall- a get ready space. Maybe that's not the catchiest name, The Space, but it is what it will be. You are invited to come each week for as much space as you want or need. Beginning on September 27 th and continuing for at least 4 weeks, we will go on a journey, a journey into space. It's a time in the week when you don't have-to be there. You won't have-to do anything. You could stay at home, but you won't want to. I think you will want to get to church early, after all we know that space fills up rapidly. You are invited to think creatively and consider how God may be calling you to utilize this gift of space. At 9:00 a.m. the nursery will open to watch the little ones and then until 10:15 there will be space for all ages. It's funny to set a time frame on space, isn't it? INSIDE Calendar 2 News 3 Kids Corner 5 Presbyterian Women 6 Ministry Spotlight 11 Reminders 12 Here are some of the things that can happen in The Space at the church. Pray-- The chapel will be open to prepare your heart for worship. You can pray on your own or in partners. Eat-- Each week there will be some good food on hand for breakfast in Westminster Hall served from 9:30 to 10:00. The first week Pancakes will be served. Good coffee will be available. Learn-- A self-guided Study worksheet will be available to be picked up each week. Invent Think of something else to do. We have plenty of space. Get creative. Meet-- Have you wanted to get to know someone better at the church? What a perfect time to invite them in for coffee at the church. Just arrange to meet sometime between 9 and 10:15. You could do it every week, or every other week, or once a month. Family-- for those with a multi-generation situation, come and use the resources of the church to craft a time that is meaningful to build up your relations. Prepare/Serve-- Let's be realistic. Many of you are busy opening doors, cleaning up trash, setting up the sound, putting on name tags or getting the communion ready. Some weeks you may just need use some of that margin space to get ready. Continued on page 3.

3 PW Fall Gathering - Church of the 49ers 5:00 p.m.

6 PW Bible Study Circles G.E.T. Mentoring 5:30-7 p.m.

m. Worship Meeting G.E.T. Mentoring 9 5:30 p.m. 10 11

m. Columbus Day 13 3:00 p.m. FB&G Meeting 6:30 p.m. Session Meeting G.

Pumpkin Carving Activities 19 5:00 p.m. 20 PW Luncheon November Window Article Deadline G.

m. 24 9:00 a.m. Acts 16:5 Session with Stan Ott @

2 1 6:00 p.m. Midtown Merchants Meeting 2 5:30 p.m. 3 PW Fall Gathering - Church of the 49ers 5:00 p.m. Delta Intergroup 4 5 5:00 p.m. 6 PW Bible Study Circles G.E.T. Mentoring 5:30-7 p.m. Project YES! 7 6:00 p.m. Worship Meeting 7:00 p.m. CE Meeting 8 10:00 a.m. Worship Meeting G.E.T. Mentoring 9 5:30 p.m All Church Choir Deacons Meeting after worship 12 5:00 p.m. Columbus Day 13 3:00 p.m. FB&G Meeting 6:30 p.m. Session Meeting G.E.T. Mentoring 5:30-7 p.m. Project YES! :00 p.m. Home of Cheryl Hunt G.E.T. Mentoring 16 5:30 p.m :00 a.m. Pumpkin Carving Activities 19 5:00 p.m. 20 PW Luncheon November Window Article Deadline G.E.T. Mentoring 5:30-7 p.m. Project YES! G.E.T. Mentoring 23 5:30 p.m. 24 9:00 a.m. Acts 16:5 Session with Stan Manteca Presbyterian Church :00 p.m. 27 G.E.T. Mentoring 5:30-7 p.m. Project YES! G.E.T. Mentoring 30 5:30 p.m. 31 PG 2

The objective of this time is to not be burdensome, instead to utilize it in ways that benefit you, the church and brings glory to God.

Generosity, and Scripture. See how you can come up with your own way to use The Space. Month: August 2015 Income $13,560.27 Budgeted Expenses $16,022.

Currently, we are running low on junior high and high school paperback books. Thank you for your support and generosity! Saturday, October 24th, 9:00 a.m.

Bring your loose change on Sunday, October 26! we will collecting spare change for the Cents-Ability offering!

Please bring your own pumpkins. Everyone is invited and welcome!

3 The objective of this time is to not be burdensome, instead to utilize it in ways that benefit you, the church and brings glory to God. Last month I preached on four characteristics from Acts 2:42-47 in which we would like to grow together as a church: Intimate Fellowship, Prayer, Extravagant Generosity, and Scripture. See how you can come up with your own way to use The Space. Month: August 2015 Income $13, Budgeted Expenses $16, Thank you Congregation for your continued book donations! The Little Free Library continues to flourish. Currently, we are running low on junior high and high school paperback books. Thank you for your support and generosity! Saturday, October 24th, 9:00 a.m., there is an Acts 16:5 Meeting. This is the last session with Stan Ott. It will be held at Manteca Presbyterian Church. Bring your loose change on Sunday, October 26! we will collecting spare change for the Cents-Ability offering! We are hosting a pumpkin carving for everyone on Sunday, October 18th, before worship, at 9:00 a.m. There will be light refreshments as well. Please bring your own pumpkins. Everyone is invited and welcome! There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board by the kitchen to sign up to help with preparing coffee (there are instructions printed by the coffee maker), punch or lemonade, and ice water for our Coffee Hour time after church. Anyone and everyone can help. One time, every week, once a month, whatever. Let's take turns! We all went to kindergarten; right? You can also sign up to bring some kind of goody to share: healthy or not, it's your choice! PG 3

Plan on an after-worship Fellowship Luncheon every second Sunday this year.

So put October 11 on your calendar to have lunch at church! October will be a regular potluck. Bring whatever you want!

Don't be shy! Come sing at 9:30 on October 11. You'll have plenty of time to fix your food to bring for lunch before 9:30.

See page 7 for more about the success of the History Walk! Readers R Us will be meeting on Thursday, October 15th, at 3:00 p.m., at the home of Cheryl Hunt.

It is with great joy that we announce that Session has unanimously approved a building use request from Dave Cicileo.

4 Plan on an after-worship Fellowship Luncheon every second Sunday this year. They may be themed or not, potlucks or provided, but they will definitely be on the second Sunday. So put October 11 on your calendar to have lunch at church! October will be a regular potluck. Bring whatever you want! Note that the second Sundays are also All-Church Choir Sundays. September was a great success, with lots of people participating. Don't be shy! Come sing at 9:30 on October 11. You'll have plenty of time to fix your food to bring for lunch before 9:30. And if you want to help set up for the Fellowship Luncheon, come at 9:00 for some extra fellowship! See page 7 for more about the success of the History Walk! Readers R Us will be meeting on Thursday, October 15th, at 3:00 p.m., at the home of Cheryl Hunt. We will be discussing The Diver s Clothes Lie Empty by Vendela Vida. It is with great joy that we announce that Session has unanimously approved a building use request from Dave Cicileo. Dave has recently been ordained as a Minister of the Gospel in the Gravity Church of Lodi and has requested use of Westminster Hall to begin an evening service in Stockton. A motion was made, seconded and passed that we approve the request of Gravity Stockton to use for 6 months, at no cost, Westminster Hall and kitchen and two classrooms, office space to be discussed, for a Sunday evening service to begin October 4th. The Mission/ Outreach Committee will serve as liaison with Gravity Church. Gravity church will provide proof of insurance and submit required building use forms. Dave will be asked to submit a written Statement of Faith. PG 4

Hope everyone has been able to supplement their summer meals by helping themselves to the tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, squash, and other

Winter gardens are easy to grow and maintain because they don t get quite as out of control as a summer garden.

The compost bin is approaching its capacity.

Once the bin is full, please put excess plant material in our green waste containers. Thank you!

Radishes, spinach, all sorts of different colored lettuces, chard, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, bok choy, and greens of all kinds.

5 Hope everyone has been able to supplement their summer meals by helping themselves to the tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, squash, and other vegetables still being generated by our community garden. It s not too early, however, to begin to think about growing a winter garden! Winter gardens are easy to grow and maintain because they don t get quite as out of control as a summer garden. Things slow way down in a winter garden with the cooler temperatures, and hopefully plenty of rain. Answers on page 8. The compost bin is approaching its capacity. If you are adding to the bin, the UC Master Gardener guide suggests cutting or chopping materials into small pieces, 5 inches or less. Once the bin is full, please put excess plant material in our green waste containers. Thank you! What kind of vegetables would probably do well in a winter garden? Radishes, spinach, all sorts of different colored lettuces, chard, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, bok choy, and greens of all kinds. They can be started from seed, or you can buy a few six packs of your favorite winter veggies and transplant them into one of the raised beds. Some veggies, like lettuce and broccoli will keep producing so long as the plant and root system remains. If you are interested in planting a raised bed or a portion of a raised bed, let Craig Holmes know so we can coordinate with Restore who will also be planting this fall. PG 5

We connect our sense of self-worth with how busy we are. Many of us stay so busy that busyness is a way of life. How might this Bible study allow you to step away from busyness and refocus on God?

6 We connect our sense of self-worth with how busy we are. Many of us stay so busy that busyness is a way of life. How might this Bible study allow you to step away from busyness and refocus on God? What are the ways you will keep this space and time sacred? (page 15, Come to the Waters) We invite all of you to join one of our studies: Noon on the first Tuesday of each month (bring your Bible and your own lunch no reservations needed call Mary Lou Hover or Helen Mar) Or one evening a month (contact Carol Dietrich). Once a month usually the third Tuesday we meet for a catered lunch to discover how to live out our faith in community. For October. Scripture: Genesis 1:1-24 Lesson Focus: Out of the waters of chaos, God created everything. God saw the goodness of creation, and God gave humans the responsibility for caring for it. God created the seventh day as a day of rest. Question: If you could have been there for one day, which one would it have been? This month we have a special activity: A chance to join other women in our Presbytery. Cheryl Hunt is organizing transportation to Columbia. Come to the Waters That We May Be One Body, One Spirit Fall Gathering of Women When: Saturday, October 3 9:30 Hospitality 10:00 Gathering begins with Worship We will eagerly hear from the participants at the Church wide Gathering, and we will joyfully install our new moderator, Sharon Miller! 12:00 Followed by lunch provided by the Presbyterian Women of Columbia Where: Church of the 49ers Columbia, California Please RSVP to Cheryl tubahunt@comcast.net or as soon as possible! PG 6

7 Did you know the Philomatheon Club is still an active club and only costs $50.00 for one time membership fee? Did you know Stockton was a center of the brick industry in California and many famous buildings in San Francisco have Stockton's bricks? Did you know the First Presbyterian Church met for worship on the Philomatheon Club while the current building was being constructed? Can someone explain why so many of the buildings are called Queen Anne Style when they were built in the Queen Victoria era??? Did you know Charles Weber changed his name to Carlos Marie Weber to get in good with the Mexican ruling authorities? These questions and many more were addressed as we took a most delightful and informative walk through the neighborhood Saturday September 19. Fifteen total participated and it was a wonderful time of learning and connecting with our neighbors. We hope to do this again! To the congregation of the church: School has started, fall has come, and that means the G. E. T. Mentoring program is in full swing! We spent the past few weeks focusing on our high school mentors, training them in the leadership principles necessary for them to be extraordinary mentors. Now we have brought the elementary students in, and will be focusing on developing meaningful relationships between the high school mentors and elementary mentees. Our program is looking as though it is going to double in size from last year, which is so exciting! In other news, watching how the garden thrived over the summer was so great. We loved how much the congregation was involved in caring for the beds and it was exciting to see how much produce resulted from that collaboration. Keep an eye out for fall garden plans coming soon! We want to thank the congregation for your generous support of all that RESTORE does. It truly blesses us to partner with you all. Sincerely, RESTORE PG 7

Join Ali Wright and your friends as we delve into popular music in our search for God and Christian themes. We will be discussing music, music videos and their lyrics.

Check out the archives section of the Window where you can find issues as far back as 2013, as well as the current issue. Are you a Facebook junkie? We are on Facebook too!

8 Join Ali Wright and your friends as we delve into popular music in our search for God and Christian themes. We will be discussing music, music videos and their lyrics. Starting on September 27th, we will leave the worship service during the Passing of the Peace, and meet in the Parlor for the class. Donuts will be provided. Bring a friend! Have you visited the FPC website recently? We have been slowly but surely adding improvements to it. You can now subscribe to our monthly newsletter online (be sure to tell your friends and family)! We have also published our Covenant of Care policy on the website. Missed an issue of the Window? Trying to remember what we did last Christmas? Check out the archives section of the Window where you can find issues as far back as 2013, as well as the current issue. Are you a Facebook junkie? We are on Facebook too! We are actively trying to promote our events through Facebook to keep everyone informed, as well as posting pictures of the fun things going on around here and in the community. If you know someone who is interested in our church, suggesting a look at our Facebook page is a great way to introduce them to FPC. Also, if you take any pictures of the happenings going on at FPC, please share them with the Office so we can use them in the newsletter and on our FB page! We are nearing Stewardship time and we encourage you to keep your financial pledge for the new year in prayer and consideration. Be praying for guidance for our church leaders as well as discernment to be led by God s Spirit to do His work, to point people to Jesus and bring glory to His name. PG 8

But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.

9 But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life. Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, And gather you from the west; I will say to the north, Give them up! And to the south, Do not keep them back! Bring My sons from afar, And My daughters from the ends of the earth Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him. Bring out the blind people who have eyes, And the deaf who have ears. Let all the nations be gathered together, And let the people be assembled. Who among them can declare this, And show us former things? Let them bring out their witnesses, that they may be justified; Or let them hear and say, It is truth. You are My witnesses, says the LORD, And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the LORD, and besides Me there is no savior. ~Isaiah 43: 1-11, NKJV In an effort to keep our records up to date, we are updating our address records. The holiday season is just around the corner, and we would like to keep you informed and up to date! Simply detach this form and return to the Office, either by mail (31 E. Vine St.; 95202), by ing all the information (office@fpcstockton.org) or in person. You can also drop this form in the offering plate on Sundays during worship. Thank you! Name (First, Last) Address (please print clearly) Who can be reached at this address (in addition to person named above)? Would you like to receive the monthly newsletter via (Circle one)? YES / NO Would you like us to list this address in our directory (Circle one)? YES / NO PG 9

10 STATED MEETING OF SESSION September 8, 2015 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Rev. Gus Wright, at 6:30 PM and followed by a period of Word/Share/Prayer (Acts 2:41-42) Roll Call Marilyn Franklin, Lee Mecum, Cheryl Hunt, Craig Holmes, Janet Sepiol, Merilyn Vaughn, Earl Roider, Eric Goldsmith ex, Katherine White, Dave Cicileo, Moderator: Gus Wright The agenda was approved as amended. Building use request from Dave Cicileo. Dave has recently been ordained as a Minister of the Gospel in the Gravity Church of Lodi and has requested use of Westminster Hall to begin an evening service in Stockton. A motion was made, seconded and passed that we approve the request of Gravity Stockton to use for 6 months, at no cost, Westminster Hall and kitchen and two classrooms, office space to be discussed, for a Sunday evening service to begin October 4th. The Mission/ Outreach Committee will serve as liaison with Gravity Church. Gravity church will provide proof of insurance and submit required building use forms. Dave will be asked to submit a written Statement of Faith. Clerk s Report: Minutes of the August 11th stated meeting were sent electronically and corrected as suggested. Consent Agenda: (all approved) That we fund four months of the Get Mentoring program ($3000) using our $2000 portion of the Presbytery Stimulus grant and $1000 from our local missions holding fund. (Mission/Outreach) That we encourage youth and families to attend the Ethnic Concerns Committee Camp at Zephyr Point, October 9-11 by offering scholarships from the Telle/ Vaughn Leadership Fund. (Mission/ Outreach) Sunday, October 18th (after worship) Pumpkin Carving Activities, Sunday, November 22nd (after worship) Thanksgiving Activity and making Advent Wreaths, Sunday, Dec 20th,(after worship) Cookie Decorating, Sunday, Dec. 20th No Stress Christmas Program. (Christian Education) Discussion items: Proposed changes to Sunday Worship format: The Worship committee proposed a change for September 13th, that would include moving from the Sanctuary to Westminster Hall to form Worship teams as part of Back to Church Sunday. After much discussion the proposal was withdrawn. A motion was made, seconded and passed to continue roping off the back pews for the rest of the month of September. Statement of Faith: Our church webpage will be changed to add a link to the Brief Statement of Faith from the Book of Confessions. Pastor s Report: 9th dynamic shift is the shift from adding new people to established groups to adding new groups. Gus attended The Fellowship Community Conference A waiting world A willing church in San Diego. Committee Reports: Christian Education, Deacons, Mission/ Outreach and Worship and Music committee written reports received. Nominating: The At large members to the committee are Carol Dietrich, Marilyn Lloyd and Julie Yanes. The committee will begin its work soon. Presbytery meets September 12th at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Katherine White and Lee Mecum are delegates. The next stated meeting is October 13th at 6:30 PM. The meeting was adjourned with prayer by Gus at 10:00 PM. PG 10

The purpose of the Ministry Spotlight is to highlight ministry partners that we support as a church family in an effort to promote awareness and prayer for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

CHS can trace their history back to 1882, when a small group of ladies founded the Ladies Aide Society of Stockton for the purpose of rendering charitable services to the City of Stockton.

11 The purpose of the Ministry Spotlight is to highlight ministry partners that we support as a church family in an effort to promote awareness and prayer for our brothers and sisters in Christ. The mission of the Children s Home of Stockton (CHS) is to give at-risk youth a chance for a productive life through treatment and education in a safe nurturing environment. CHS can trace their history back to 1882, when a small group of ladies founded the Ladies Aide Society of Stockton for the purpose of rendering charitable services to the City of Stockton. These ladies recognized a need for a home to care for neglected children of our community and made it their sole purpose. They accomplished their first goal in 1883, by renting a house on South San Joaquin Street and opening it as a children s home. In 1901, eleven ladies formed the Home Sewing Circle, for the purpose of fundraising for the new children s home, sewing everything from potholders to aprons, and many other things. They had raised enough funds by 1908 to purchase the half city block opposite Constitution Square for $2,600. CHS experienced a huge growth spurt during the years After acquiring the property, the $10,000 building project was funded by a $20,000 gift from a prominent leader in the community. The building was completed during this time, and featured accommodations for 100 children with dormitories, an infirmary, kitchen, laundry and other modern conveniences of the times. It is a two story (5700 square feet on each floor) structure that now houses the administrative office of CHS. CHS received its license from the California Social Welfare Department in 1940, allowing it to operate as a children s home. Generally there were girls, and boys staying at the home during these years. During the world wars, the children grew enough produce in their Victory Garden to provide for the home. Also, children began coming to the home by assignment from county departments or were considered boarders (whose families paid for their child to stay), a shift from the original mission to rescue children off of the street. From , many changes and milestones shaped CHS into what we know today. Today, Lindsay Street (between Airport Way and N. Pilgrim St.) has been absorbed into the CHS campus as a park area. The campus now boasts three cottages that house 8-10 children; three 3 bedroom houses on south side of campus; and a transition home in the community west of Pershing Ave. CHS also has a modern Special Education School equipped for students K-12th grade. CHS provides a variety of services. They offer vocational training and emancipation services to students in the residential CHS program. Students are offered interest and aptitude tests, as well as practical training in skills such as job searching, apartment hunting and money management. CHS also provides recreational and activity therapies as part of their residential program. They list 21 different activities offered on their website, ranging from marching band to chess club to guitar lessons to swimming, and much more. The CHS residential program also provides holistic healthcare to the students, from nutrition to emotional and psychological well being. For more information about the great work CHS is doing, please visit their website: -Sunday, November 22nd, after worship: Thanksgiving Activity/ Advent Wreath Craft Sunday, December 20th: No Stress Christmas Pageant, during worship -Sunday, December 20th, after worship: Christmas Cookie Decorating PG 11

Answers to Kids Corner First Presbyterian Church of Stockton 31 E.

office@fpcstockton.org Website: fpcstockton.org Business Office Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri: 9 a.m.

Tues, Thurs : by appointment The deadline for submission of articles for the October Window is

m. Next Deacons Meeting Sunday, October 11th, after worship Next FB&G Meeting Tuesday, October

12 Answers to Kids Corner First Presbyterian Church of Stockton 31 E. Vine Street Stockton, CA Thank you for saving a stamp Phone: office@fpcstockton.org Website: fpcstockton.org Business Office Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tues, Thurs : by appointment The deadline for submission of articles for the October Window is November 20th! Next CE Meeting Wednesday, October 7th, 7:00 p.m. Next Worship Meeting Wednesday, October 7th, 6:00 p.m. Next Deacons Meeting Sunday, October 11th, after worship Next FB&G Meeting Tuesday, October 13th, 3:00 p.m. Next Session Meeting Tuesday, October 13th, 6:30 p.m. Save the date! Sunday, November 22nd, we will be having a Thanksgiving Crafts workshop. More details to follow. We hope to see you there!

To the many Gracious Saints in and around First Presbyterian Church,

To the many Gracious Saints in and around First Presbyterian Church, The month of May was filled with growth -- the community garden is growing four new members joined the Church a dynamic conversation