Grapevine When they saw Jesus, they worshiped him. Matthew 28:17 We ve done a lot of worshiping together these last few days. On Maundy Thursday, we gathered around the table and remembered Jesus promise of a new covenant. On Good Friday, we placed ourselves before the story of Jesus death on the cross, experiencing both grief and gratitude at what he endured for our sakes. On Easter Sunday, we sang Alleluia amid the bells and lilies and trumpets, exuberant in the good news that Jesus Christ is risen. Our mission statement includes the directive that we worship God. Now seems like a good time to think a bit more about what that really means. A friend of mine defines worship this way: What God does to us when we think we re praying and listening on a Sunday morning. Two things about this definition are right on the mark. We are active in worship; we sing, we pray, we listen, and we enjoy the fellowship of the Holy Spirit that is present when we gather in Christ s name. God is active in our worship, as well. God works in among and through us when we gather for worship. At its best, worship is an experience that deepens and stretches our faith and equips us to serve Christ in the world. If we believe that God is present and active in our worship, we will approach worship on Sunday mornings, on special days, and in moments throughout the week when we re drawn into an awareness of God s presence with a sense of expectation. We expect that Christ will be present, so we can welcome that presence and allow it to bless us. We expect to find comfort as God s love and forgiveness nurture us, and as the family of faith cares for the places where we are tender. We can expect to be challenged, as we engage God s word and apply it to our daily living. Finally, we can expect to be sent out into the world to continue God s mission of love, justice, and peace. I know, that s a lot! But what a difference it makes to come to worship with a sense of expectation for what the living Christ is doing. The Holy Spirit is at work in this place and we are witnesses to what God is doing here. That s exciting! It makes all the difference in the world to approach our worship with a sense of expectation. It s an important part of what makes YLPC a vibrant, engaging community of faith. I m so grateful to be with you in this work! April 2018 Mission Statement: Worship God. Equip Disciples. Love and Serve the World. Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 AM Yorba Linda Presbyterian Church 19301 Yorba Linda Blvd. Yorba Linda, CA 92886 714.777.6822 www.ylpc.org Email articles to info@ylpc.org With you in ministry, Pastor Lynn.
Calling All Singers! You are invited to join the Chancel choir at the end of the Easter services when we sing the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah. Bring your own score, check one out from the music department or choir members will have some scores ready. Join us in the loft during the last hymn. Questions? Contact Janet Thorson at jthorson@ylpc.org. Playhouse Build: Habitat for Humanity Quoting Fred Rogers (again), Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning. We all know Habitat for Humanity for the houses it builds for families. Did you know they also build Playhouses? The Playhouse Program allows Habitat volunteers of all ages to work together to construct these wonderful mini-houses for children. YLPC is partnering with Placentia Presbyterian on April 15 at 11:00 to build two houses. Placentia will donate their house to H.I.S. House; we are asking Habitat to find a family whose children can use it as a place to unleash their imaginations. While the timing is tight, we can attend service, then have lunch as we work at Placentia. All ages are welcome and lunch will be provided. Please contact Frieda Holman (friedaholman@sbcglobal.net) or Roxanne Ford (mrford47@gmail.com) with questions or to register. 2
Welcome New Members We are delighted to welcome some new members to the YLPC community. Hooman Abadi Saeid Bahremand Sam and Kathy Brandes Bonnie Coombs Elle Morrison Irene Pieroni We will officially welcome them in worship in April. Amazon Smile Smile with Amazon and Share with YLPC Did you know the simple act of shopping online can benefit YLPC? It's true! For the past year, a very small group of "beta testers" have been making all of their Amazon purchases through Smile.Amazon.com. The prices are the same and if you have Amazon Prime, the shipping benefits are the same! There is absolutely no cost to the shopper! It's super easy to use. Simply log on to Smile.Amazon.com (instead of just Amazon.com) and make a one-time designation of Yorba Linda Presbyterian Church as your charity of choice. It's that simple... oh and make sure to use this special site every time you make a purchase. You will notice a small "Eligible for Amazon Smile Donation" under the listing's price. Amazon will send 0.5% of every eligible purchase to YLPC quarterly. To date, we have received $31.71 in donations from Amazon Smile. Just think how much could be generated with more than a handful of "beta testers"! So in the wise words of one of our deacons, "If we don't do this, it's just leaving money on the table!" If you have any questions, please feel free to talk to Chris Hills or Steve Rice and thank you for your participation. Relay for Life Save the Date! Relay for Life is May 19-20. This year we will be joining Brea, Placentia and Anaheim Hills for the relay. All donations and prayers that it will be a successful relay are welcome. Any questions ask LaVerne Stern or email tinker60@msn.com. Parking Lot Parking Lot Repair Our parking lot will be closed April 3-4 for much anticipated maintenance. Please plan to park on the street if you are on campus during this time. 3
Youth Ministries As we celebrate Easter, I look forward to watching what God does with all of the seeds that were planted during Lent. During the Lenten season, our youth group spent a great deal of time exploring ways in which students can make room for God s presence in their lives. We spent time thinking about who each one of us is in Christ and how that can give us daily strength, particularly when presented with challenges or temptation. We also explored different spiritual disciplines, giving students tools that they can use on a daily basis to focus on God s presence in their lives. In addition, some of our high school students are participating in Confirmation classes where they are in engaged in lively discussions with church leaders about Presbyterian history and doctrine, the Bible, God, and what it means to be a person of faith. It is a truly exciting time! Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming dates: Friday, April 6: Youth Movie Night 6:00-9:00 p.m. Emmaus Road Sunday School Children s Ministry In March, children explored Jesus last week with his disciples. In the Celebration Station children had the opportunity to choose between several different activities each week. Concentrating on the Passion Narratives found in the gospel of Luke, students not only learned about the many events of Holy Week, they focused on the decisions that were made by Jesus and his disciples. Looking at the actions of Judas and Peter, children began to understand the link between choices and consequences. They saw how bad choices can lead to awful consequences, and that God forgives our bad choices when we honestly ask for forgiveness. Jesus choices remind us that making good decisions can be very difficult. We discussed ways that each child can choose to follow Jesus, reminding students to ask themselves, What would Jesus do? The stories of Holy Week are between lessons 318 and 332 in The Children s Bible in 365 Stories. In April we will study the passage where Jesus meets his disciples on the road to Emmaus. God s Family at the Table Children in third grade, and their parents, are invited to attend a God s Family at the Table workshop on Sunday, April 29 from 11:00 to12:30 p.m. We will explore the meaning behind Communion through numerous interactive experiences. On Sunday, May 6, participants will be recognized in the Communion service. Fourth and fifth graders who have not attended this class before, are invited to participate. Register through the church office or contact Kim Wisnia at kwisnia@ylpc.org. 4
Summer Arts Camp Save the Date Summer Arts Camp August 6-10, 6:00-8:00 p.m. A gathering of all ages! Watch for details and registration information in the coming months. Do you have an idea for a workshop or activity? Would you like to lead an activity or lead a workshop? Contact Kim Wisnia kwisnia@ylpc.org. April Ine Budiardjo 4/01 Janet Triplett 4/04 Connie O Neil 4/06 Timothy Matthews 4/07 Sarah Park 4/10 Grace Campbell 4/11 Jessica Nicholson 4/18 Clare O Neil 4/18 Doug O Neil 4/19 Irvin Frances 4/23 Alex Park 4/24 Anne Denney 4/26 Brooke Campbell 4/27 Dear YLPC Church Family, Thank you! From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank everyone in our church family who has provided support for me and for Leonard during the past four and a half years that he has been ill. It has been a long fight for Leonard, and the battle has finally been won. He is totally at peace and with our Lord. Thank you for your visits both in and out of the hospital, your prayers, your cards, your delicious meals, dinners, your phone calls, your moral support to me, and the genuine love, warmth and friendship you have shown us. Your help and support has helped me to have the courage and strength to continue helping Leonard in every way I could. I especially want to thank all friends and deacons who planned the memorial service and provided for a beautiful reception and refreshments. Indeed, our prayers were answered, as he passed very peacefully in his sleep on February 24. He will not be forgotten. You have all been a blessing to us both. We love all you all. Anne Sivley Choir Festival On Sunday, April 15, the young singers of YLPC's youth choirs will participate in the annual Choristers Guild Children's Choir Festival at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach. Our young people have been working very hard learning the Festival music. On April 15, they will spend the afternoon working with guest conductor Lori Loftus, founder of the Emmy Award winning Southern California Children's Chorus. After an afternoon of singing and fellowship with other children's groups, they will present a special service of worship and music. The event is open to the public, and everyone is warmly invited to attend and support our young singers while enjoying some beautiful children's choir music! The service begins at 4:00 p.m. The address of the church is 600 St. Andrew's Road, Newport Beach, 92663. We hope to see you there!
Session Notes from March March Session activities included the following: The Clerk reported that with the loss of dear Leonard Sivley and the reception of 7 new members, membership grew to 217. Lynn shared her gratitude for a congregation that offers her Study. She then led Session in a more detailed discussion of reaching out to our community as it pertains to refining our 5-year plan. The Deacons reported that Leonard Sivley s service was well-attended and well-organized thanks to the assistance of many people. Nominating Committee reported that they will be meeting on Wednesday evenings to begin the nominating process. Personnel will be recognizing the anniversary dates of staff members. Stewardship shared the new, more user-friendly financial reports. The committee will be looking at depositing funds in PILP for easy accessibility and higher rates of return. The Amazon Smile program was discussed and the opportunity to participate will be shared with the congregation. Maundy Thursday service will be held 3/29 at 7 PM, Good Friday on 3/30 at 7 PM and two services on Easter at 9:00 and 10:30 AM. Christian Ed reported that a movie night will be held on April 6. Licensing is in place for public showing of the chosen movies. Elders were encouraged to attend the last confirmation class on April 8. Facilities is attempting to find a metal roof repair company to fix the continuing leak in the sanctuary. The parking lot will be repaved and repainted during the month of April. A piano recital to be held on 6/2 at 1 and 4 PM was approved and reported to Session. Mission committee shared a new opportunity to participate in Habitat for Humanity will happen 4/15 when we build a playhouse. A blood drive will be held on 7/7. Respectfully submitted, Chris Hills Clerk of Session February 2018 FINANCIAL REPORT OPERATING FUND Summary Results Through February, we expected to receive $73,167 and actually received $94,133. Also through February, we expected to spend $82,552 and actually spent $73,282. And reserved $9,678 for funds budgeted but not spent. Operating Mtg. Reduction Total Cash Position $ 329,315 $ 21,880 $ 351,195 Less: Restricted Funds* $ 131,806 $ - $ 131,806 Unrestricted Funds $ 197,509 $ 21,880 $ 219,389 * 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 February, we have received contributions of $5,610 and paid $3,647 in principal. 6
Upcoming Events: April Easter Sunday Services Sunday, April 1 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. Parking Lot Repair April 3-4 Youth Movie Night Friday, April 6 6:00 p.m. Confirmation Sunday Sunday, April 15 9:30 a.m. Children s Choir Festival Sunday, April 15 Habitat for Humanity Sunday, April 15 1:00 p.m. God s Family at the Table Sunday, April 29 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) Drum Circle 7:00 p.m. (Fourth 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) Missions Meeting 7:30 p.m. (Fourth Wednesday of the month) Nominating Committee 7:00 p.m. (Every Wednesday April 11 through May 16) Thursday Church Office Pilates Class TLC Bible Study Celebrate Singing Gloria Ringers AA Meeting Chancel Choir 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. 8:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 5:00 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. Jubilate 10:45 a.m. Christian Education Meeting 10:45 a.m. (First Sunday of the month) Single Ladies Brunch 11:00 a.m. (Second Sunday of the month) HIS Picnic 1:00 p.m. (Fourth Sunday of the month)
Yorba Linda Presbyterian Church 19301 E. Yorba Linda Blvd. Yorba Linda, CA 92886 April Events April 1 Easter Sunday Services 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. April 3-4 Parking Lot Closed April 6 Youth Movie Night April 8 Single Ladies Brunch at BJ s in Brea April 9 Hot Meals 3 p.m. Orangethorpe Christian Church April 15 Habitat for Humanity Placentia Presbyterian Children s Choir Festival April 22 His Picnic April 29 God s Family at the Table