Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Monthly Newsletter for Peoples Church, Fresno, CA
Citation preview
December 2009
Sundays, December 6, 13, 208:00, 9:45 & 11:30 am
and Christmas Eve, 6:30 pm
Christmas 2009
December 2009Today Newsletter2
Blood Drive Sunday, December 13 9:00 am to 1:00 pm North Lobby
Register December 6 in the North Lobby or contact Lynne: 298-8001, ext. 268.
The church office will be closed Thursday and Friday, December 24 and 25, for our staff to enjoy the Christmas holidays.
All Family Worship Sunday Sunday, December 27
Year-end Giving: The church office will be open until 4:30 pm on New Year’s Eve for you to bring your tithes and offerings.
New Year's Eve CommunionWatch for details in Sunday bulletins.
The church office will be closed on Friday, January 1, for New Year’s Day.
If you’d like to send Pastor Ron and Joan McManus a card for Christmas, their address is:Rev. Ronald and Joan McManusP.O. Box 1533Cornelius, NC 28031-1533
Hello Peoples Church Peeps!As I write this, I’ve just f inished
writing “I See Jesus in Their Eyes,” one of the songs for this year’s Christmas presentation, “ASCULTA.” (See page 3 for details about “ASCULTA.”)
Verse 1:The children, the orphanBeneath the gaze of mostUnloved, unwanted, poorCreated for more. Those living in danger,The helpless, the stranger, The hurting, the dying,We must keep loving.
Verse 2:He came into the worldBeneath the gaze of mostToo small to be ignoredAngels adored No place to lay His headHalf-eaten hay His bedBorn as the “least of these”Not seeking ease.
Those are beyond the walls of People Church actions. And as a pastor at PC, I say thanks for “caring for the world beyond the walls” of Peoples Church! Jesus, whose birth we remember this month, entered our world in “beyond the wall” conditions—born as one of the “least of these.” When we give to the least of these—the helpless, the hurting, the dying, the children, we are giving to Him.
Do you know 30,000 innocent children under the age of five die each day? So much potential lost due to disease, hunger and potable water. If you want to read a book that will rock your boat, read Too Small to Ignore by Dr. Wess Stafford, President and CEO of Compassion International.
What an outpouring of love you showed on November 15 in our “Put Your Hands to It” Sunday. You’ve made it possible for the most vulnerable, the
powerless, and voiceless—the children—to have a jacket and a pair of shoes this winter.
Thanksgiving Day we passed out water bottles for you to fill with your offering so children and adults without clean drinking water might have potable water this year. You are encouraged to drink the water, fill the empty bottle with an offering and bring it to the Christmas Eve Service. I relive often your demonstration of love in last year’s service as you brought your bottles to the front of the sanctuary!
This month we also are ministering to children of inmates through Angel Tree, our own children in need through Sharing God’s Love, those in our church family in convalescent care, and people in our community by ringing bells for Salvation Army.
All of this is part of Love God Love People Share JesusThere are two parts to Share Jesus:
Evangelism (sharing the Good News of the gospel) and Compassion (showing acts of mercy by giving to those in need).
This season you have an excellent opportunity to share who Jesus is through the weekly Worship Arts presentation of “ASCULTA.” It will culminate with coming to the manger on December 24. You won’t want to miss a Sunday. Invite your family and friends. This promises to be a Christmas of destiny for many. Be in prayer and then action about those you are inviting.
Thanks for caring beyond the walls of Peoples Church!
Pastor Doug HolckExecutive Pastor
ASCULTA
3December 2009Today Newsletter
ASCULTA…(Listen) to the heartbeat of God.
ASCULTA, pronounced ah-school-tah, is Latin for “listen, or give an ear.”
Since creation, the beat of God’s heart has been for His most prized creation—human kind. To hear the heartbeat of God, one must listen for it, especially during the times we live in today.
The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem’s manger was the Incarnation of God’s heartbeat. Even though Jesus left the earth after thirty-three years, God’s heart goes on beating for men and women everywhere. One can hear it, if one “listens” for it.
This year’s Peoples Church Worship Arts presentation of “ASCULTA…(Listen) to the Heartbeat of God” centers
on a man in his sixties recalling his life and his journey in hearing the heartbeat of God. Each Sunday, culminating with Christmas Eve, you will be introduced to a snapshot of this gentleman’s life, beginning with the 1940s on Sunday, December 6. He was born post - World War II on a Christmas Eve. This first Sunday you gain insight into his early childhood and the role of his mother, a woman of faith, in his life.
Sunday, December 13, will take you to the 1960s, as he recalls college years—a time of social unrest and protests. Sunday, December 20, f inds us in the 1980s, when love comes to his life. Christmas Eve is set in present day and the events surrounding this day are a reminder of
the appearance of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus two thousand years ago.
Every part of the Worship Arts ministr y is devoted to this year ’s presentation: choirs, orchestra, children, drama, video, choreography, Peoples School of Creative Arts, l ighting, costuming and special effects.
As in the past, children will be joining us for the first part of the Sunday services, before being dismissed to their classes. Children are encouraged to sit with their parents at the front part of the services.
It is a wonderful season to introduce people to Jesus. So be praying about who to invite…then…invite them!
This Christmas, ASCULTA…(Listen) for the Heartbeat of God.
December 2009Today Newsletter4
Ministry to Our Community
Peoples Church people...Love God Love People Share Jesus.
Out of our love for God, we will love people. And out of our love for people, we want to share Jesus with those around us...
at home in our neighborhood in our community in our world...by starting at home, hearing the voice of the Father,
accepting my personal responsibility, in al l of my relationships, encouraging others.
On November 7 PC people participated in Convoy of Hope. We saw 1,800 decisions for Christ and practical needs met (food and medical services).
On November 15 PC people brought coats and shoes for children in our valley who would not have essential clothing and shoes needed for the cold winter months ahead.
Peoples Church People Share
Jesus told His disciples, “…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me.” (Matthew 25:40).
In 2010 our emphasis will be to Clothe, Feed, and Visit people in need, reaching out to those in our homes, neighborhoods, communities, and the world.
Before the end of the year, pray about how the Lord would have you share Jesus in some very practical ways. We have some suggestions listed on page 7.
Remember, it’s not about doing everything – just one thing!
Convoy of HopeNovember 7
Put Your Hands To It SundayNovember 15
“Do you think it really matters?” In all honesty, I’ve wanted to ask this question as I pass a Salvation Army kettle at Christmas or hear a plea from a faith-based organization, asking for donations of food and clothing or gifts of money.
Maybe you, too, face these decisions at this time of year, asking yourself how much to help the down and out, the lost and broken, the hurting and helpless in need of simple essentials we so often take for granted.
Meeting people’s basic needs may solve their problems for a little while, but does not offer a permanent fix to their dilemmas.
“Lord, will they listen?” I ask. “Do they care about anything other than a full stomach or keeping warm?” We can meet their needs, but what then? What about the condition of their souls?
As I wrestle with the question, I’m reminded also of Paul ’s words to the Corinthians:
“We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing Him directly just as He knows us!
“But for right now, until that c o m p l e t e n e s s , w e h a v e t h r e e things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:12-13, The Message)Love God, love people, share Jesus.
“Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31), remembering “…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me (Jesus).” (Matthew 25:40)
Recently, I heard about a woman and her child in a local valley community.
They were in great need. No food, no resources, near destitute.
A loca l church was giv ing away groceries. The mother would not simply take the food; so they attended a church service.
After hearing the message of salvation, mother and daughter knelt at the altar and committed their lives to Christ.
We may never see the good our giving does, but we are commanded in faith, simply to trust and obey…to Go, Do, and Be Jesus in our world.
By the way, that little girl grew up, got married, and now she and her husband serve as pastors of a church in their community.
She would say, "Yes, it really matters."
December 2009Today Newsletter6
Do You Think It Really Matters?by Ginger Niemeyer
December 2009Today Newsletter 7
Peoples Church Opportunities:FeedBenevolent MinistryYour donations help us provide essentials for needy families in our Church. Checks may be made payable to Peoples Church and placed in the Sunday offering. Please designate: Benevolence.Salvation Army Bell Ringers Sign up with your family or a friend to ring the bells for the Salvation Army. Fashion Fair dates: December 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, & Christmas Eve. River Park date: Saturday, December 19. Sign up on Sundays in the Main Lobby or contact Myra: 298-8001, ext. 215.Water for our WorldHelp provide for people in our world who do not have decent drinking water. Pick up a water bottle at the Welcome Desk on Sundays or at the Church Office during the week. Drink the water, fill the empty bottle with cash, and return it during the Christmas Eve service.
ClotheTying BlanketsHelp us tie knots in f leece blankets for kindergarten students at Martin Luther King Elementary. Join PC J-High Ministries anytime on Wednesday, December 2, from noon am to 4:00 pm in GZ Main Room. No experience or sewing skills needed! Contact Kim: ext. 323 to help.Sharing God’s Love Sunday, December 6
Help provide Christmas for needy kids in our own PC family. Donations may be made to Peoples Church. Designate Sharing God’s Love.
VisitAngel Tree Gift DeliveryDeliver Christmas gifts to children of inmates. Meet Saturday, December 19, 9:00 am, in Room 502. (If you purchased an angel tree gift, please return it on Sunday, December 6.)Convalescent and Shut-In Gift WrappingWrap gifts for members of our church family who are in convalescent care or unable to leave their homes. Saturday, December 5, 9:00 am to noon, Room 204. Also – help serve at special Christmas parties at local care facilities. Contact Verna: 439-7142.
Community Opportunities:Fresno Rescue Mission (clothing for
men/women/children; food) 268-0839, ext. 204
Evangel Home (gifts for women/children; food) 264-4714
Maroa Home (blankets, men’s clothing/toiletries, non-perishable food) 441-1543
New Creation Ministries (monetary donations) 227-1066
New Life for Girls (monetary donations/food) 486-2515
Pregnancy Care Center (items for newborns) 446-6295
Valley Teen Ranch (towels, washcloths, laundry detergent, pillows and pillow cases – no navy or red, help with Christmas parties) 437-1144
World Impact (Wal-Mart or Target gift cards for families, help with Christmas parties) 442-0867
Youth For Christ (monetary donations/snacks for after-school ministries, various project opportunities) 237-4741
Opportunities to Share Jesus This Christmas
Family & friends in the loss of Roberta Bekerian.Family & friends in the loss of Ray Fain, Sr.Family & friends in the loss of Marjorie Lutz.Family & friends in the loss of Marilyn
Ekman-Winstanley.Richard Amparano & family in the loss of his
brother, Frank Amparano.Andrea Childers & family in the loss of her father.Robert Gonzales & family in the loss of his
mother, Mary Gonzales.Ed Hull & family in the loss of his wife,
Lani Hull.Garry Kennedy & family in the loss of his brother,
Larry Kennedy.Helen Kraft & family in the loss of her sister,
Joan Eiland.Barbara Lamb & family in the loss of her brother,
Harold Hoffman. Ann Nahigian & family in the loss of her brother,
Doug Magill.Patty Owens & family in the loss of her brother.Maria Guadalupe Ramirez & family in the loss of
her husband, Antonio Ramirez.Joseph Sandoval & family in the loss of his father,
Joseph R. Sandoval, Sr.Dixie Stapp & family in the loss of her mother,
Beulah Shamp.
Prayers & Sympathies
MemorialsBetty Cearley
Betty Niemeyer
Frank DobbsDiane Brown
Vi EngstromRudy Engstrom & family
Ray FainMahlon & Claire HileLes & Helen Hirasuna
Jim GriffinEarl & Jan Giacolini
Robert LongEarl & Jan Giacolini
Mabel MascarenasJim & Betty Scheidt
Muriel SmittcampSathaporn Vathayanon, MD
Island
PC Kids
7172 N. Cedar Ave. | Fresno, CA 93720
(559) 298-8001 www.peopleschurch.org
Brad Holck, Minister for Children
PC Kids Offi ce: 298-8001, ext: 353
N
S
WE
N
Libr
ary
2nd Floor
Rooms 621-629
2nd Floor
Rooms 521-529
Gym
BLDG 5
BLDG 4
RR
BLDG 6
Parlor
BLDG 1 BLDG 2
BLDG 3
ChurchOffice
EntranceNorth Entrance
South Entrance
Nursery
SANCTUARY
MainLobby
201203
204
307
308
302
311
303
305 309301
109
508506
504502
507505
509
503501
608
606
604
602
605
603
601
Jack
ie J
ohns
on
Hosp
italit
y Ro
om
RRCo
urty
ard
306
609
607
RR
RR
RR
RR
RR
RR
WorshipMinistries
Center
BLDG 9
RR
RR
Multi-Purpose Room
RR
RR
Choir
Room
Conf.
Room
Orch.
Room
FCSGymnasium
Music
Center
BLDG 8
North Lobby
North Lobby
Chapel
West Entrance
East
Ent
ranc
e
Mai
nRo
om
Café
Offic
e
Conf
. Rm
.
RR
Grou
ndZe
ro
G.L. Johnson
CHAPEL
Welcome Cen
ter
Ask at the Welcome Center in the Main
Lobby or at “Treasure Island” (Building 5)
for a list of this week’s PC Kids activities.Look What’s Happeningthis week
getconnected
Sunday School
Explorers (Wednesday Night)
Kids’ EE (Evangelism Explosion)
Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts
Joyful Noise (Children’s Choir)
STUDENTMINISTRIESPEOPLES CHURCH
JUNIOR HIGHHIGH SCHOOLCOLLEGE
Ask at the Welcome Center in the Main Lobby on Sunday,
in the Ground Zero Offi ce during the week or check out our
websites for a list of this week’s activities.Junior Highpcjhigh.comSunday SchoolWednesday ServiceMatt Markarian
Minister for Junior [email protected]
Junior High Offi ce: 298-8001, ext: 323High School360oasis.comSunday SchoolTuesday ServiceChad JohnsonMinister for High School
[email protected] School Offi ce: 298-8001, ext: 324
College Bible StudyThursday ServiceMiles NewtonMinister for [email protected]
College Offi ce: 298-8001, ext: 312
N
S
WE
N
Libr
ary
2nd FloorRooms 621-629
2nd FloorRooms 521-529Gym
BLDG 5
BLDG 4
RR
BLDG 6
Parlor
BLDG 1
BLDG 2 BLDG 3
ChurchOfficeEntrance
North Entrance
South Entrance
Nursery
SANCTUARY
MainLobby
201203
204
307
308
302
311303
305
309
301
109
508506
504502
507505
509
503501
608606
604602
605603
601
Jackie Johnson
Hospitality Room
RR
Courtyard
306
609607
RR
RR
RR
RR
RR
RR
WorshipMinistriesCenter
BLDG 9RRRR
Multi-Purpose Room
RR
RR
ChoirRoom
Conf.Room
Orch.Room
FCSGymnasium MusicCenter
BLDG 8
North Lobby
North LobbyChapel
West Entrance
East
Ent
ranc
e
Main
Room
Café
Office
Conf. Rm.
RR
Ground
Zero
G.L. JohnsonCHAPEL
Welcome Center
Ground ZeroOffice
NNN
7172 N. Cedar Ave. | Fresno, CA 93720
(559) 298-8001 www.peopleschurch.org
Matt Markarian, Minister for Junior High
Junior High Offi ce: 298-8001, ext: 323
Chad Johnson, Minister for High School
High School Offi ce: 298-8001, ext: 324
Miles Newton, Minister for College
College Offi ce: 298-8001, ext: 312
PC Youth Flyer #2.indd 1
8/21/09 8:02 AM
sland
sland
sland
N
S
W E
N
Libr
ary
2nd Floor
Rooms 621-629
2nd Floor
Rooms 521-529
Gym
BLDG 5
BLDG 4
RR
BLDG 6
Parlor
BLDG 1BLDG 2
BLDG 3
ChurchOffice
Entrance
North Entrance
South Entrance
Nursery
SANCTUARY
MainLobby
201 203
204
307
308
302
311
303
305
309
301109
508506
504502
507505
509
503501
608
606
604
602
605
603
601
Jack
ie Jo
hnso
n
Hospi
talit
y Roo
m
RR
Courty
ard
306
609
607
RR
RR
RR
RR
RR
RR
WorshipMinistriesCenter
BLDG 9
RRRR
Multi-Purpose Room
RR
RR
ChoirRoom
Conf.Room
Orch.Room
FCSGymnasium
MusicCenter
BLDG 8
North Lobby
North Lobby
Chapel
West Entrance
East
Ent
ranc
e
MainRoo
m
Café
Office
Conf.
Rm.
RR
Groun
dZe
ro
G.L. JohnsonCHAPEL
Welcome Center
7172 N. Cedar Ave. | F
resno, CA 93720
(559) 298-8001 www
.peopleschurch.org
Pete Gavrilis, Minister for Men
PC Men’s Offi ce: 298-8001, ext: 211
w h e r e YOU GET CONNECTED
Barbecue Ministry
Bible Studies
Bus Ministry
Craftsmen
Jail Ministry
Juvenile Hall/County
Motorcycle Club
PC Flyers
Parking Lot
Ministry
Rescue Mission
Outreach
MEN’SMINISTRIESpeop le s c
hu rch
PC Men MInistry Flyer 2009#2.indd 1
8/20/09 10:07 AM
STUDENTMINISTRIESPEOPLES
JUNIORHIGH
N
S
W E
N
Libr
ary
2nd FloorRooms 621-629
2nd FloorRooms 521-529
Gym
BLDG 5
BLDG 4 RR
BLDG 6
Parlor
BLDG 1
BLDG 2BLDG 3Church
OfficeEntrance
North Entrance
South Entrance
Nursery
SANCTUARY
MainLobby
201 203
204
307
308
302
311
303
305
309
301
109
508506
504502
507505
509
503501
608606
604602
605
603601
Jackie Johnson
Hospitality
Room
RR
Courtyard
306
609607
RR
RR
RR
RR
RR
RR
WorshipMinistriesCenter
BLDG 9
RRRR
Multi-Purpose Room
RR
RR
ChoirRoom
Conf.Room
Orch.Room
FCSGymnasium
MusicCenter
BLDG 8
Main
Room
Café
Office
Conf. Rm.
RR
Ground
Zero
G.L. JohnsonCHAPEL
North Lobby
North LobbyChapelW
est Entrance East
Ent
ranc
e
Welcome Center
7172 N. Cedar Ave. | Fresno, CA 93720 (559) 298-8001 www.peopleschurch.org
Shirley Barber, Minister for [email protected] Women’s Offi ce: 298-8001, ext: 273
Bereavement MinistryBoutique WorkshopCompassion Care MinistryDorcas PiecemakersEssential Debate
ETC! Special EventsGod’s Way to Ultimate HealthFirst Place
Hands In ServiceHome School Moms Bible Study
Marilyn’s Book Club
MOMS (Making Our Mothering Signi� cant)New Directions
No Strings AttatchedPrecept Bible Study
Prison MinistryRestoration for the Broken
RetreatSalt & Light Prayer
Small GroupsSpanish Bible StudyWomen Alive Bible StudyWomen’s Prayer Team
connectedGet
Women’sMINISTRIESp e o p l e s c h u r c h
Women'sministries office
PC Women Ministry Flyer 2009#3.indd 1
8/20/09 10:08 AM
MINISTRIESpeop le s c
hu rchMINISTRIESpeop le s c
hu rchMINISTRIES
WMINISTRIESp e o p l e s c h u r c h
N
S
W E
N
Libr
ary
2nd FloorRooms 621-629
2nd FloorRooms 521-529
Gym
BLDG 5
BLDG 4
RR
BLDG 6
Parlor
BLDG 1
BLDG 2
BLDG 3
ChurchOffice
Entrance
North Entrance
South Entrance
Nursery
SANCTUARY
MainLobby
201 203
204
307
308302
311
303
305
309
301
109
508506
504502
507505
509
503501
608
606
604
602
605
603
601
Jack
ie Jo
hnson
Hospita
lity R
oom
RR
Courtyard
306
609
607
RR
RR
RR
RR
RR
RR
WorshipMinistriesCenter
BLDG 9
RRRR
Multi-Purpose Room
RR
RR
ChoirRoom
Conf.Room
Orch.Room
FCSGymnasium
MusicCenter
BLDG 8
North Lobby
North Lobby
ChapelWest Entrance Ea
st E
ntra
nce
MainRoom
Café
Office
Conf. Rm.
RR
Ground
Zero
G.L. JohnsonCHAPEL
Welcome Center
7172 N. Cedar Ave. | Fresno, CA 93720 (559) 298-8001 www.peopleschurch.org
Mick Wagenman, Minister for [email protected]
PC Singles Offi ce: 298-8001, ext: 215Activites Line: 297-7008
Website: therocksingles.org or peopleschurch.org
PC SinglesSAM (Single Adult Ministries)
The Rock
Sunday Class
Volleyball
Divorce and Recovery
Divorce Care
Evangel Home
p e o p l e s c h u r c h
SINGLESTHE ROCK
30s and 40s
SAM50+
Want to know what’s happening? Check out the Ministry Flyers (with information about PC Men, Women, Singles, Youth, and Kids) and monthly inserts with date specific activities going on each month at Peoples Church. Flyers and Inserts are available around campus or at the Welcome Center on Sundays.Also Available: PC Mission Statement/Core Values/What We Believe, Pastoral Staff, This Month at PC (general ministry information), Sunday Class Listings, and Campus Map.
2010 Peoples Church Mission/Vision Strategies Booklet
Booklets with lists of various minist r ies where you can be involved – prayer, community outreach, hospitality, and more – are available at the Welcome Center on Sunday.
PeriodicalPostagePAID
at Fresno, CA
Volume 16, Number 12“Our Church Family Today” (#USPS 438-910) is published monthly byPeoples Church, 7172 North Cedar Avenue,Fresno, CA 93720-3368. Phone: (559) 298-8001.Fax: (559) 299-8182. Website: www.peopleschurch.org.E-mail: [email protected]. No subscription fee.
Executive Pastor: Doug HolckEditor: Ginger NiemeyerGraphic Designer: Ryan HolckHolck photo courtesy of Milne Photography, Fresno, CAPeriodical Postage is paid at Fresno, CA 93706.
POSTMASTER:Send address changes to “Our Church Family Today,”7172 North Cedar Avenue, Fresno, CA 93720-3368.3,900
PSCA Homeschool Choirs Concert Thursday, December 10 7:00 pm, Sanctuary
Free concert includes performances with Handbells, Sign Language, and Community Choir.
Merrymaking Market Wednesday, December 16 7:00 to 8:30 pm, PC Gym
Kids, make and wrap gifts to give to family and friends.
Adventures in DrummingNew session begins the week of January 4 for beginning, intermediate, and advanced (returning) drum students. $120.00 for 7 weeks. Contact Brenda Myers: 930-1784 or email [email protected]
