Centerville Presbyterian Church the A Church commi ed to Jesus Christ through worship, nurture, care, and growth. MONTHLY NEWSLETTER Celebrating 163 Years of Ministry APRIL 2018 Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Greg Roth Associate Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Marsha Roth Assistant Pastor for Families, Young Adults & Intercultural Ministries Leedah Wong Visita on Pastor Rev. Dr. Jim Schoon Director of Tradi onal Worship and Choral Ministries Darryl Guzman Director of Contemporary Worship Thomas Bañuelos Interim Children's Events Coordinator Alana Bischoff Chan Interim Children's Sunday School Coordinator Katelyn Bañuelos Youth Ministry Director Seth Beardsley Preschool Director Linda Hall Facili es/office Manager Tammy Sawyer Finance Manager Sally Suryan Accoun ng Assistant Julia Knutson Ministry Assistants Alana Bischoff Chan Val Cooley Polly Walker Goodbye, Centerville Seth Beardsley, Youth Ministries Director I can t believe it has been over five years since I first started at CPC. My first day seems like yesterday. I remember coming to the church feeling nervous because I didn t really know anybody except Ma Knapp and I had never worked in youth ministry full me. I had been an intern for 4 years, but this was my first full me ministry posi on. I was anxious about all the changes in my life, but also confident in the call God had given to me. The first year was very difficult as I struggled being away from my friends and family and had to learn how to cope without the support system I had come to rely on. I felt very alone. My prayer was that God would provide me with friends so that I wouldn t feel so alone. Looking back now, I see that God was faithful in answering that prayer. Centerville has become more than just the church I work at, it has become my home. It has gone from a church full of random people I didn t know, to a place full of my friends. CPC is home to so many awesome, loving, kind, generous, and suppor ve people and I am blessed to have been so welcomed into your lives. God is faithful! I am so thankful for the opportunity to lead our youth program and for all the support that has helped me to thrive as a youth pastor. Some of my fondest memories are the youth camps, mission trips, youth group mee ngs, small groups, and other amazing mes of being with our youth and seeing God work in their lives. I have been so blessed by all the rela onships that God has given me and all the amazing people God has put in my life here in Fremont. I am so comfortable in my role at CPC, but of course, as soon as we become comfortable in life, this is usually the me God calls us away to something new, unknown, and uncomfortable. I am once again facing a lot of changes in my life. I am ge ng married in May, moving across the country to Washington, D.C. to be with my future wifey Jenessa, and seeking God s next call on my life.
Goodbye Centerville con nued... We decided I would move out to D.C. because Jenessa works there for her dream organiza on, Interna onal Jus ce Mission, as their Cons tuent Experience Representa ve. They are an inspiring, Chris an non profit that works with rescuing people from slavery and sextrafficking and we feel God is calling us to con nue in that work. This season of my life is so bi ersweet. I am excited to get married, move to a new place, and see what God has in store for us in DC. But I m also sad to leave so many people I love and to leave my home state of California. I m not looking forward to living in a place with actual seasons and bad weather. West Coast Best Coast! My prayer now is that God would provide me with a job where I can con nue to live out my calling of sharing the Gospel with teenagers and making disciples. It s scary being newly married and moving across the country without knowing what I will do for a living! I feel good leaving CPC knowing that the youth ministry is in good hands with such awesome volunteers, and with Dennis Yim coming in to lead them. I feel good knowing that it is God who works in people s lives and our only job is to partner with Him in that work. And I feel good knowing that CPC is a church that loves God and loves people, including youth and kids! I want to ask you a couple of things as I leave and Dennis and Christy arrive. First, show them great hospitality and support. Let them know you are excited they re here and maybe even invite them over for dinner so you can get to know them and see how you can support them. It is difficult being new pastors at a church and they are going to need a lot of help. Second, would you consider volunteering with the youth or children s ministries to support them and ease this me of transi on? I know this would greatly bless me, them and the church. As I close, I want to leave you with a verse that gives me peace whenever I get anxious, stressed, or afraid. From Joshua 1:9, Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. As I get ready to say goodbye to you all and move onto this next chapter in my life, I know I have nothing to worry about because I don t put my faith in myself or another imperfect human being, but in the allpowerful, perfect God who is always with me. I know the same is true for you. Thanks for everything you ve done for me over these last 5+ years and for suppor ng me in the call God has put on my life. I have been humbled and blessed to serve as your weird, bearded, Giants loving, basketball playing, Jesus loving, Youth Director. Love, Seth A Word from Pastor Greg JUSTICE I am reflec ng this year upon the subject of What the world is wai ng for. This month I am drawn to how many in the world are wai ng for jus ce. This was a repeated theme we saw during our preaching and study series on Isaiah. Note chapter 61:8, For I, the Lord, love jus ce; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlas ng covenant with them. Jus ce is about confron ng a crime, yet it is also about repayment for loss. It is one thing to punish a thief with prison me, yet the measure of true healing is when he can restore what was stolen and repay for the loss that was endured. A family member may apologize to you, but jus ce is served when they begin to bless you, and not curse you. As Micah 6:8 notes the simple desire of the living God for our lives; He has shown you, O man, what is good and what the Lord requires of you. But to do jus ce, and to love Mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. In the history of the church, there have been many opportuni es for us to speak up for those whose voices have been silenced. In our own congrega on 160 years ago, the Pastor William Wallace Brier stood up against Congress on behalf of Chinese immigrants who were his friends. What might it look like for Chris ans to be known as a people commi ed to Jus ce? I have some friends who work at IJM, The Interna onal Jus ce Mission. This agency works with the interna onal community to prevent and prosecute human trafficking in the sex industry and in the illegal labor force. In pla orms local and global, the church con nues to live into the promise of Amos 5:24, But let jus ce roll on like a river, righteousness like a never failing stream! Pastor Greg 2
Check out the cute picture of our "li le bunnies." This is our class picture taken in February. By Linda Hall, Director of CCP Alleluia! Christ is risen, He is risen indeed!!! All things living are growing again and so are all of my preschoolers! While we s ll have a few months to go before the end the school year, I am already so proud of the growth that I've witnessed over the last seven months!! Our children are some of our greatest blessings in this life and they are li le for such a short me. As we con nue towards the end of this school year, we will con nue to be "training our children in the way that they should go." (Proverbs 22:6) I want to thank all of you who placed See's candy orders from us. The Preschool received $636.78 profit from your purchases! Again, Thank You! Spring Blessings to you all, Miss Linda and Miss Peggy This month our Chapel Verse is "Jesus is alive" taken from Ma hew 28:7. Since our Easter Break is the 1st week of the month, we will be able to really celebrate Jesus' resurrec on in joyful thanksgiving of the gi that Jesus gave to us through His sacrifice upon the cross!!! The school will be closed March 30th April 6th. Chapel Time with Pastor Jim will be on Tuesday April 10th and Wednesday April 11th. Our academics this month will bring us to the le ers: "T", "U" and ""V" and to the shapes of both ovals and stars. We will also be doing a fun "Purple Grapes" pain ng project and learning about the numbers 7 & 8, and on Friday, April 27th we're going to have a picnic lunch together on our grass area (weather permi ng) to celebrate this beau ful Earth that God created for us, as an Earth Day celebra on. 3
Session Notes March 2018 Submi ed by Sydney Belanger, Ruling Elder The March mee ng opened with group prayer. Session members offered prayers for New Life Community Church in Covelo which burned down, for the release of Andrew Brunson in Turkish prison and for the Holy Spirit to give him courage and peace. The group prayed for the Holy Spirit s guidance for Presbytery in selec ng and adop ng a people group with no access to the gospel. Prayers for CPC were for the ongoing Centerville Pioneer building project, for the Foundry to con nue its community outreach and that the Lord would touch the lives of the non Chris ans a ending Foundry. Prayers were also offered for Saturday Fun Night that the Holy Spirit would con nue to touch hearts and open minds to seek the gospel. Devo on was presented by Pastor Greg from chapter 5 of the EPC Westminster Book of Confession and Catechisms, on the Providence of God. Pastor Greg reported the City Council officially approved the housing project. A er collec ng several bids, Session approved contrac ng with Flory Construc on for the Pre Construc on and Construc on of the Centerville Pioneer Site Townhomes. Construc on may begin in the fall. Prayers of thanksgiving for God s blessings ge ng us to this point and for His guidance moving forward. Seth reported on a successful High School Winter Camp. Partnering with other local community churches, he took 13 HS students and 5 adult leaders to Tahoe. The Youth Mexico Mission trip is March 31 st April 7. Pastor Marsha reported on the March 3rdSaturday Fun Night. Cordelia and Rakshana shared their tes mony with a group of about 50 people gathered in the gym. The men played badminton, women learned to knit and children watched a movie. Nine fathers came with their children and at the end of the evening were asking about Sunday School. Praise God! Pastor Marsha reported that as Easter approaches the congrega on will be encouraged to bring others in our community as well as family and friends to Easter Sunday services. Pastor Leedah reported on current ac vi es of The Foundry which included an Ash Wednesday/ Valen ne s dinner with 15 in a endance and con nued community outreach. An average of 30 40 people con nue to meet Sunday mornings for worship. The Foundry celebrated its 1 st anniversary on Sunday March 11 th. Pastor Leedah announced that Katelyn Banuelos will temporarily take on the leadership for Children s Ministry and Alana will con nue to coordinate children s events. All agreed the session retreat in February was a great me of prayer, discussion and looking forward to discerning God s will for CPC. Discussion was held concerning commissioners for General Assembly, June 19 22, at Hope Church, Memphis, TN. The next Presbytery mee ng is in Reno, NV at Covenant Presbytery Church on May 18 19. CPC will host the Presbytery mee ng October 12 13. Session appreciates your con nued prayer for the Holy Spirit s guidance. Passed on to Heaven Pete van Vleck November 25, 2017 Virginia Coughenour February 14, 2018 Loretta Ricupito February 22, 2018 Cynthia Yagi February 27, 2018 Jesse Stokes March 12, 2018 Please be praying for their families during this me. Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die (John 11:25) 4
Introducing... Dennis and Christy Coming in June as our Youth & Children s Directors Dennis and Christy met in a sleepy town called Glenside, PA when they both adventured across the country to pursue their studies at Westminster Theological Seminary. Dennis, a Bay Area na ve, has been serving in the greater Philadelphia and South Jersey region as a youth director for the last four years while pursuing his Masters of Divinity. Christy has served as a children s director in various ministries, but spends most of her me as an English teacher to middle school students. Both are currently members of Oreland Evangelical Presbyterian Church, where they worship and serve the Lord with their beloved community. In their free me, Dennis and Christy enjoy watching football, drinking [good] coffee, and reading books (his are usually theological; hers are usually about educa on and inclusion). Anchored in Hope Retreat Reflections April 28, 2018 10:00 a.m. Westminster Room Come for a me of sharing, reminiscing and reflec ng on our me at retreat. Please feel free to invite a friend It is a wonderful way to encourage her to a end next year s retreat! Brunch will be provided by the COACHes & Retreat Team. Anchored in Christ, 2018 Retreat Team: Sylvia Garrett, Pat Lum, Teresa Schmit, Lisa Dutra, and Sue Mayer Thank You! We are excited to meet each of you in the near future, and are looking forward to serving the Lord with you all in Centerville! Dennis Yim & Christy Lee My dear CPC community, My humble and sincere thanks to you for your loving prayers, cards and good wishes e-mails for a quick and complete recovery from my recent surgery. Each of your thoughtful prayers and acts of kindness helped me in my recovery! Sincerely, Marilyn Khalaji 5
CPC YOUTH! WE LOVE GOD & WE LOVE YOU! SEEK TRUTH EMBODY LOVE LIVE TO INSPIRE IMPACT SCHEDULE 6th 12th graders 6:30-8:30pm at CPC in the gym April 1 No Impact! Happy Easter! April 8 No Impact! Mexico Trip April 15 Click Wk2 Extreme Bingo April 22 Click finale Crowd Charades 2 April 29 POTLUCK Seth s last IMPACT :( SUNDAY MORNING YOUTH SCHED. 6th-12th graders 9:30am-10:30am at in C205 April 1 No meeting! We had an awesome time at Winter Camp with our high school kids last month! We learned about what it means to answer, The Call God has given us in life. Our speaker, Chris, is disabled and he shared about how God has made Him spiritually whole even though physically his life is very hard. He encouraged us to think about The Call God has given each of us to follow, no matter what we go through. It did take us 10 hours to get home from Tahoe while it was snowing, but we made it home! Many of our students returned to Fremont, encouraged in their faith and with a renewed relationship with God. Many made recommitments to follow Jesus and a couple made first time commitments to follow Him. Praise God! Pray for our young men and women to stay connected to God and to be spending time with Him each day as they navigate their crazy schedules. April 8 Stressed Out Finale April 15 New Series! Haters Drop the Rock April 22 Haters Assume the Best Trust God with the Rest 6
CPC MISSIONARY UPDATE: Rob & Iris EPC Through many toils, dangers and snares Can you hear me? I can hear you. Can you hear me? is what I hear a lot as my wife is online Skyping with Central Asia, due to the bad internet service there. I o en listen in on my wife s Skype calls, while I am working from home. We are in Boston and they in Central Asia. She is speaking with her na onal translators as they go through verse by verse checking of the New Testament transla on in their Central Asia language. They work to squeeze their calls in during their mornings when the internet is usually working, guests have not dropped in yet to their two room rented apartments and it is not too late for her to be awake on our side of the world. Some nights end in frustra on as their internet was too slow or the electricity went off and the computer ran out of ba eries (and the ba ery backup system is not working as it can t charge enough with so li le electricity) or the translators have guests, a funeral or another family obliga on takes them away from their work or it is a holiday... Not to men on they have a different weekend there, Thursday and Friday which is our Wednesday and Thursday. She is persistent and connects with them to do some work anywhere from 5 minutes to a couple of hours when she can to discuss each verse. Now they are in the Gospel of Mark. She has checked the Greek for accuracy and then gives them things to discuss as a group of translators there to consider and clarify. Albeit fraught with weaknesses, this is the best they can manage for the me being. It is not much danger to them nor us. Even if we lived in the country again, the translators will not meet in person as they are rightly concerned about being observed and/or targeted for associa ng with foreigners. So, their homes are the safest places for them to work. In fact, going to the market is more dangerous. Our translator friend Ma found out a few weeks ago as he was in a parking lot nearby when a terrorist blast targeted at a government facility in the city killed 150 people. He is s ll recovering from the scene of destruc on he experienced as he was called upon to help carry the bodies to the hospital. Each me they go out, our dear brothers and sisters there live with a daily chance of being in the wrong place when something happens. Yet they con nue to say they will not leave! God has shown His goodness to them and has protected them and their families innumerable mes. Each Skype call starts with checking on how they and their family are doing, and the current situa on. They read a Scripture that the translators have been reading devo onally and they pray. Then the work begins, one lag med second at a me, as they try to get the rhythm of speaking and listening just right. Rejoice with us that the book of Luke they translated is now on line for people to read and comment upon as a test feedback of the transla on so far 2500 hits from within the country! That is thousands of mes more people reading it than she has been able to read in person with any from this precious Central Asian people! And so the New Testament transla on will con nue to go forward via Skype calls and the occasional mee ng in other countries where they can review each book face to face. Slowly, slowly the transla on of the New Testament moves forward for now, the sound of can you hear me now? is the sound of steady progress! 7
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Fremont, CA 4360 Central Avenue Fremont CA 94536 PERMIT NO. 7 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Please Note: If you no longer wish to receive this Newsle er, please call our office at 510.793.3575 ext. 14 APRIL 10, 2018, is the deadline for submi ng ar cles for the MAY 2018 BELL Newsle er. Please submit to Val Cooley, Ministry Assistant vcooley@cpcfremont.org. All ar cles submi ed are subject to approval, edi ng, and space available. Mark your calendars... March 31 April 7 April 1 April 8 April 29 Youth Mexico Missions Trip Easter Sunday Services Take 7 Following each Service Seth s Last Sunday Sunday Eats Missions to Mexico Trip Report Join us for Worship 9:00 a.m. Contemporary Service Led by Thomas Bañuelos with the Worship Team and Band 10:30 a.m. The Foundry (Millennials) 11:00 a.m. Traditional Service Led by Darryl Guzman with the Centerian Choir and CenterPeace Orchestra May 25 Memorial Day concert 7:30 pm at CPC Office Hours: M TH 8:00am 4:00 pm 510 793 3575 Office 510 793 3594 fax www.cpcfremont.org cpcoffice@cpcfremont.org 8