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JULY/AUGUST 2016, Volume 57, No. 7
Boy, Do I Have a Community
Just moments after my husband was pronounced dead in the Emergency Room, the physician came over to check on me. He stood beside me, put his hand on my shoulder and said, “It is in times like this that we need others. Do you have a community?” Just a half hour before that question I was a married woman working out in the gym beside my husband….and now I was a widow. In its origin, the word widow means to be empty. That is exactly how I felt…empty, bereft, bewildered, numb. I wondered what came next. I simply couldn’t imagine a world without Bryan in it.
I looked up at the doctor and I said, “Boy, do I have a community.” He seemed surprised by my response. I said, “I am the Senior Pastor of a church in La Verne.” He said, “Pastor, may I pray for you?” “Absolutely,” I said. He prayed for me with beautiful and heartfelt words. But he also prayed for you, the community that would grieve with me. I have reflected often on my response to the doctor. I was sure that you would be the people you have always been. I knew that while I am living one of my greatest nightmares, I would not walk this dark road of loss alone. You have been the church to me, carrying the Christ light for me. You have sent me so many cards that I couldn’t possibly feel forgotten. You have given me, and continue to give me, the space and grace I need to navigate this new reality. You have offered all sorts of kindnesses. You helped me honor Bryan’s memory with a beautiful memorial service. How does anyone walk this road without a community like you? What I have received from all of you is companionship. You have not tried to heal me, fix me, or dismiss me with trite sayings. In your authentic and faithful way, you have let me know that you will simply be what I need most….a community of fellow travelers. It is through you I have felt the Spirit of God hold me. I can now more fully comprehend what a gift we give each other when we say yes to being church to each other.
The La Verne Church of the Brethren continues the work of Jesus peacefully, simply, together. We create a
Christian community, called by Christ to be inclusive, caring and peace-minded. We affirm that people of any
race, ethnic identity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, age, economic status, faith tradition, or life
situation are welcome in our congregation. We believe in compassionate service, stewardship of creation,
respect for diversity and nonviolent reconciliation for differences among all people, nations and faith
traditions. We claim no creed but the New Testament, as exemplified by the life of Christ. We strive to follow
the way of Jesus. Through these efforts, we seek to grow ever closer to the mind and heart of God.
~Susan Boyer
JULY & AUGUST WORSHIP THEMES .................................................................................. 4-5
JULY & AUGUST CHURCH CALENDAR ................................................................................. 6
CHURCH FAMILY JOYS & CONCERNS ............................................................................... 7-8
Joys & Concerns ................................................................................................................. 7
Thank You ............................................................................................................................ 7
Change of Address ............................................................................................................. 7
Remembrance ..................................................................................................................... 8
CHURCH LIFE ...................................................................................................................... 9-11
Leadership Summer Meeting Schedule ............................................................................ 9
Peace Camp ......................................................................................................................... 9
Giving Reminder ............................................................................................................... 10
Update on Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria ........................................................................ 10
Spiritual Cinema Circle ..................................................................................................... 10
Men-a-logue ....................................................................................................................... 11
Angels’ Share .................................................................................................................... 11
Save the Date: Back to Fall Sunday ................................................................................ 11
Save the Date: Back to Fall Lunch ................................................................................... 11
Kitchen Renovation .......................................................................................................... 11
SPOTLIGHT - Church Beyond These Walls ........................................................................ 12
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION & YOUTH....................................................................................... 13
Camp La Verne ................................................................................................................. 13
Youth in Good Hands ....................................................................................................... 13
Contents 2
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE & SHARE .......................................................................... 14-16
Summer Lunch Program Fundraiser Thank You ........................................................... 14
Backpack & School Supply Fundraiser .......................................................................... 14
Pentecost Offering Report ............................................................................................... 15
Save the Date: Interfaith Walk ......................................................................................... 15
IVHP Food Bank ............................................................................................................... 15
Mental Health Resources ................................................................................................. 16
CHURCH AT LARGE ......................................................................................................... 17-19
What’s Up at Hillcrest? .................................................................................................... 17
Annual Conference .......................................................................................................... 18
Messenger Subscription Time ........................................................................................ 19
Contents 3
The Intercom is provided monthly by the La Verne Church of the Brethren to inform, connect, and share our faith journey with
you. If you would like to have information included in the next issue of the Intercom or have suggestions you would like to share,
contact the Editor, [email protected], or the Church Office, (909) 593-1364. We also invite you to visit our website
at www.lavernecob.org
Worship Themes 4
July
JULY 31 PEACE CAMP SUNDAY
Practice Generosity Susan Boyer
True peace is only available to those who treat the most vulnerable of society with respect and dignity. You cannot have an ethic of peace without love for your community. Exodus 23:1-9; Isaiah 58:6-10
JULY 10 IS THAT REALLY IN THE BIBLE? The Writing on the Wall Susan Boyer
In this story, Daniel is brought before the King to interpret some writing on the wall. Daniel delivers bad news and is rewarded for it. Daniel’s like Teflon. Daniel 5:1-12
JULY 3 The Unending Promise Peggy Wallace Peggy is an ordained pastor in the United Church of Christ. She served 7 churches in Massachusetts as an intentional interim, specializing in conflict resolution and systems theory. Peggy has been married to Bob Wallace, an American Baptist Pastor, for 33 years; and they have seven children, one in heaven. They also have six grandchildren and one great grandchild. Peggy and Bob live at Pilgrim Place in Claremont. Psalm 107:1-9 and 43
JULY 17 ANNUAL CONFERENCE REPORT SUNDAY
Living in the Light Susan Boyer
The theme for our conference this year invited us to Carry the Light. In a year filled with issues of controversy and division, the scripture from 1 John is especially important for it reminds us that we cannot walk in light unless we love our brothers and sisters. 1 John 2:7-11
JULY 24 IS THAT REALLY IN THE BIBLE?
A Fishy Story Susan Boyer
When Jesus is asked about paying the temple tax he uses it as a teachable moment about freedom. Then he sends Peter fishing for money. Is this a story about freedom or obligation? Matthew 17:22-27
Worship Themes 5
August
AUGUST 14 John Gingrich On this Sunday, Dr. John Gingrich, Moderator of La Verne Church of the Brethren, will bring the morning message. John retired from ULV, having served them as a teacher, department chair, division chair, and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
AUGUST 7 IS THAT REALLY IN THE APOCRYPHA?
Bel and the Dragon Susan Boyer
In some of your Bibles you will find a set of books called the Apocrypha. These are texts found in the Septuigant (the primary Greek translation of the Old Testament) but not found in the Hebrew Bible. There are some interesting stories in that set of books. We will look at the story of Daniel, the god Bel and the dragon that would eat anything. Bel and the Dragon
AUGUST 21 IS THAT REALLY IN THE BIBLE?
Bored to Death Susan Boyer
If you have ever wondered if youth in ancient times were bored by preaching, look no further than our scripture for today. Eutychus falls asleep during Paul’s very long sermon and falls out a third story window to his death. Yup. That really is in the Bible. Acts 20:7-12
AUGUST 28 Dawna Welch
Dawna Welch, Minister to Children & Families and Peace Camp Director at La Verne Church of the Brethren will bring the message this Sunday.
Calendar 6
The July window display in the hallway is created by
Jan Newcomer.
The August display will be created by
Janice Shaw-Morgan.
La Verne Church of the Brethren 2425 E Street, La Verne, CA 91750
Phone: (909) 593-1364 After Hours Pastoral Care: (909) 282-8268
E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.lavernecob.org
Ministers: Susan Boyer,
Janet Ober Lambert, Tom Hostetler, Dawna Welch
Board Chair: Al Clark, [email protected]
Moderator (vice chair/chair, Personnel): John Gingrich, [email protected]
Moderator Elect (chair, Gifts Discernment): Sara Davis, [email protected]
Church Clerk (secretary): Janice Shaw-Morgan, [email protected]
Christian Education chair: Dianne Saurenman, [email protected]
Envisioning chair: Juliet Davis, [email protected]
Peace & Justice chair: Josih Hostetler, [email protected]
Service chair: Karen Cahill, [email protected]
Property chair: Steve Johnson, [email protected]
Spiritual Life & Nurture chair: Deb Jahnke, [email protected]
Stewardship & Finance chair: Linda Saddlemire, [email protected]
Jul 3 Annual Conference Ends
Song & Story Fest, Petersburg, PA, to July 9
Jul 4 Church Office Closed for Independence Day Holiday
Pastor Janet Ober Lambert’s Sabbatical Begins (Through October 2)
Jul 8 Deadline for Peace Camp Registration
Card Games, Fireside Room, 6 p.m.
Jul 9 Youth Outdoor Movie Night, 7 p.m.
Jul 13 Men-a-logue, 7:30 p.m., Library
Jul 24 What’s Happening in Nigeria, 11 a.m.
Jul 25 Peace Camp Begins (Through 7/29)
Aug 2 Commission Night-See page 9
Aug 9 Personnel Commission, 6 p.m., Fireside Room
Church Board, 7:15 p.m., Fireside Room
Aug 10 Men-a-logue, 7:30 p.m., Library
Aug 11 Intercom Deadline (Sept. Issue), 5:30 p.m.
Aug 12 Card Games, 6 p.m., Fireside Room
Aug 30 Spiritual Cinema Circle, 6:30 p.m., Fireside Room
July & August Calendar
INTERCOM is the monthly newsletter of the La Verne Church of the Brethren
Editor: Stephanie Juillerat, [email protected] Writers: Staff and Contributors Production: Kathleen Krecklow
May Giving and Attendance
May Giving Report YTD Giving 2016 $277,727 YTD Giving 2015 $274,668 YTD Expenses 2016 $291,198
Average Worship Attendance May 2016 232 May 2015 228
Church Family Joys & Concerns 7
Continued prayers for… Linda Bell, Ora Lea Bowers, Donald Charles, Shirley Clark, Ralph Click, Aletrice Flora, Pete Harrington, Anne Hauger, Zoe Hopping and her family, Tabitha Pogu and all the Chibok girls, Dennis Short, Dave Stroup, Bobbi Welch
Congratulations to… …Linda Saddlemire, Managing Partner/CEO at Vicenti, Lloyd & Stutzman LLP (VLS), spoke at the AICPA Practitioners Symposium and TECH+ Conference on "Community Engagement Strategies and the Associated Benefits." She was on the cover of the California CPA Magazine for her featured article on a similar topic, “At Your Service: Four Strategies to Engage in Corporate Social Responsibility.” Plus, she was nominated for CalCPA's 2016 Women to Watch award. …Rebecca Van Voorhis and Tanyr Anderson who were married on May 14. …John Sesteaga who was awarded “Student of the Year” for 6
th grade at Sandburg Middle
School. John received the honor for his maturity, respect, leadership, scholarship, critical thinking, and sense of humor. …Mary Hunter Bowman who turned 104 on Saturday, May 21. …David Kurtz and Lou Lou Rosenthal who were married May 29. …Richard & Linda Dorosh who welcomed a new granddaughter, Amaia Dorosh Gordenstein, on May 21! …Millie and Chuck Davis who celebrated their 70
th wedding anniversary on June 2nd!
…Rachel Chang who graduated from Bonita High School on June 9. Rachel will be attending Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts. …Tracy Taylor who was elected June 7 to the position of Member, County Central Committee, 41
st Assembly District.
…Michael Ryan and Lisa Phillips, who were married on June 11.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Sympathy to… …Kelly Whittington on the death of her grandmother, Marzela Ward, who passed away on May 17. …Don and Esther Wickert on the death of their son, David Wickert. ...Kathy Doramus on the death of Kathy’s uncle, Jim Andrew Millican on June 16 in Florida.
Thanks to the staff and congregation for your prayers while I have been recovering from knee surgery, as well as the food, calls and visits. It has meant so much to me. ~Anne Carl
Change of Address
Patrick and Kristin McConnell 14775 Calle Otono Chino Hills, CA 91709
Church Family Joys & Concerns 8
Dodie Krug
Dora (Dodie) Bedford, born on April 3, 1922, was the first child of Alfred and Dora Bedford. She and her younger sister, Margery, were raised in Long Beach, CA, where both girls attended elementary school through high school. The family was active in the Long Beach Church of the Brethren. After completing high school, Dodie enrolled in La Verne College (LVC), studying education and speech. During her college years she lived with her Aunt and Uncle, Harvey and Annie Hanawalt. Dodie enjoyed her college years, becoming involved in many campus activities. She was especially involved in “Girls About Town,” a club for women not living on campus. The one downside to attending LVC at that time was the lack of men on campus. That all changed when a number of young men who were serving in Civilian Public Service in the San Gabriel Mountains with the U.S. Forest Service came to campus for a hayride. That was the night Dodie met the love of her life, Lyle Krug. They were married in December of 1943 in Empire, CA, where Dodie was teaching. After World War II ended, Dodie and Lyle moved to Silverton, OR where Lyle took over the running of his parents’ farm. During the years on the farm, four children were born: Linda, Randall, Roger, and Deborah. In 1956 the family moved to Salem, OR to be nearer to Lyle’s job. In 1958, the family moved to Southern California, settling in Santa Ana where Dodie resumed her teaching career with the Santa Ana Unified School District. She taught 6
th and 4
th grades, and for the last few years, kindergarten.
Dodie and family were members in the Santa Ana Church of the Brethren. Dodie was active in Women’s Fellowship, served as a lifetime deacon, and as a Church of the Brethren Disaster Relief childcare worker. In 1990, Dodie and Lyle moved to Hillcrest, near friends and family in La Verne, CA. Dodie was the perfect partner to Lyle. She was the less-outgoing of the two, content on letting Lyle take the lead. But by no means was she passive. She was a wonderful teacher; a friend and mother in her own right. She loved her family and supported each of her children as they made their ways through the world. She loved to sew, read, do crossword puzzles, travel, and spend time with family and friends. She loved living at Hillcrest, where there was always something going on. In later years, her
grandchildren and great-grandchildren were rays of sunshine in her life. She was a fun and funny
grandmother. She liked baking cookies and keeping the cookie jar full for them. She loved traveling to
spend time with the grandchildren that lived out of state. She called all of her grandsons, her “little
boys,” even after they all towered over her. Dodie was especially happy whenever she was with her
great-grandchildren. She knew how to make them smile and laugh and loved hearing their little
voices. Her love of family and friends was her greatest joy! Dodie is survived by her daughter, Linda
McCall; son, Randy Krug and wife Pam; son, Roger Krug; daughter Debi Stanley and husband Dale;
six grandchildren: Lisa LaSarge, Brian Krug, Janelle Krug, David Krug, Keith Stanley, Kevin Stanley,
and three great-grandchildren: Norah Krug, Wyatt Krug, and Olivia LaSarge.
Remembrance
Church Life 9
Young Peacemaker’s Camp, 2016 Entering Kindergarten through 6
th Grade
$25.00 Per Camper July 25-29, 2016 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
La Verne Church of the Brethren 2425 E Street, La Verne, CA 91750
Applications available in the church office or www.lavernecob.org
It’s time, once again, to experience peacemaking through the eyes of our children, but Peace Camp belongs to all of us. Each individual brings something valuable and important to the process of peacemaking. Through collaboration, understanding, and intentionally working at friendly, non-violent relationships, we cannot only learn to enjoy our differences, but truly celebrate them!
If you know someone who you think would love Peace Camp, encourage them to go to our website and print out an application or pick one up in the office. Space is limited to the first 80 campers registered.
The deadline for registration is July 8.
LVCoB Commission/Board
Summer Meeting Schedule 2016 Commissions Gifts Discernment no July meeting August 2-Social Hall-6 p.m.
Envisioning no July meeting August 2
Property no July meeting August 2 -Fireside-6 p.m.
Service no July meeting
August 8-Fireside Room-5:30 p.m.
Stewardship & Finance no July meeting August 2-Library-6:30 p.m.
Christian Education no July meeting August 2 -Social Hall-7:00 p.m.
Peace & Justice no July meeting
August 2- Fireside Room -7:30 p.m.
Spiritual Life & Nurture no July meeting August 2
Personnel and Board Personnel, 6:00 p.m. no July meeting August 9-Fireside Room-6 p.m.
Church Board, 7:15 p.m. no July meeting August 9-Fireside Room-7:15 p.m.
Church Life 10
Spiritual Cinema Circle August 30, 6:30 p.m. Fireside Room The August Spiritual Cinema Circle will feature the prizewinning documentary Becoming Bulletproof, about an inspiring experiment in “radical inclusion.” Zeno Mountain Farm annually gathers people with and without disabilities from across the country to write, produce, and act in an original film. For 2014, it’s a western called Bulletproof, and making it is a whirlwind of mastering lines, pushing through take after take, and grappling with high expectations. This very different and very moving film will show on Tuesday evening, August 30, at 6:30 p.m. Come prepared to be amazed.
Update on Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria July 24, 11:00 a.m.
Carl and Roxane Hill, co-directors of the
Nigerian Crisis Response for the Church of the
Brethren since December of 2014, will be joining
us on July 24. They will be sharing briefly in
worship, and then they will give an hour
presentation beginning at 11:00 a.m. Everyone
is invited to come hear about this important
ministry with our brothers and sisters in Nigeria.
The Hills served previously as program volunteers and mission workers in Nigeria, where they taught at Kulp Bible College (KBC) from Dec. 2012 to May 2014. Their roles and responsibilities as the co-directors of the Nigerian Crisis Response include leading and managing communication with EYN in Nigeria, making regular visits to Nigeria to support EYN and American volunteers working there, providing ongoing and weekly reporting on EYN and the crisis response, assisting with raising funds for the response and other financial matters, facilitating the monitoring and evaluation of crisis response projects, recruiting and managing American volunteers working in Nigeria, and coordinating activities with EYN and other partner organizations. Come hear about this important and vital work.
Giving for 2016 Lags Expenses Our giving for 2016 is $13,471 behind our expenses by the end of May. As we head into the summer months, this difference has Stewardship and Finance concerned. If you are behind on your pledged giving for 2016 or would simply like to make a donation to help us catch up, Stewardship and Finance would be grateful for your contribution.
Church Life 11
Save the Date: Back to Fall Sunday! September 11, starting at 9:15 a.m. Join the church family for breakfast and an introduction to Christian Education plans for the new year!
Save the Date: Back to Fall Lunch! September 18, following worship Join the church family for lunch and a chance to renew and reconnect!
Angels’ Share Angels’ Share is a “pub theology” group for Young Adults who relate to the La Verne Church of the Brethren. “Angels” usually gather on the last Friday of the month around matters of faith and an occasional craft brew. (Softer drinks are also imbibed.) For July through September dates and locations, please check the Sunday bulletins. To get on the emailing list or with questions, please contact Jenny Y’Deen at [email protected].
Men-a-logue July 13 and August 10, 7:30 p.m. Church Library What's Men-a-logue? The first Wednesday of each month, men are getting together in the church library to share what's going on in their lives and discuss topics of interest. Guys of all ages are talking about favorite movies, faith, and stupid decisions they've made. Interested? Join us at 7:30 p.m. on July 13 and August 10.
Kitchen Renovation 2016 With the confidence of our congregation and after many years of study, design, redesign, prayer, and professional guidance, the kitchen committee and property commission solidified the plans for our future church kitchen. Moving forward with our passion for “Kitchen Ministries” by creating a safe, comfortable, and NSF-compliant (Public Health and Safety Organization) kitchen has been on the “to do“ list for many years, and we are now there!
Our merry band of kitchen volunteers have been peeling back the layers of our kitchen as we empty it in preparation for the remodel. With every step we take, I’m flooded with amazing memories, such as how to make communion bread and teaching Peace Camp kids how to make peanut butter play dough. I’m also marveling at the thousands of plates of food that have been prepared in this kitchen.
Thanks to the Betty Miles Memorial Fund, our new kitchen will continue to serve the congregation and community for decades to come. Thank you to all! And away we go!
Spotlight on... 12
Church Beyond These Walls by Linda Saddlemire
I have always had an interest in a subject that was first introduced to me at the Drucker School of Management: how can businesses behave in socially responsible ways? (otherwise known as Corporate Social Responsibility). The social inequities and needs of our society are so great that it will require all influential players,
including government, not-for-profit organizations, and the business world to be part of the solution. This topic of social responsibility has continued to be a significant interest for me, and it was also the topic I chose for my dissertation, which I recently completed. My story of “Church Beyond These Walls” focuses on how my role as a leader within a business can further social responsibility. Although being a teacher was the career I had originally sought nearly 40 years ago, due to the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978, and the resulting shortage of teaching jobs, I switched gears and entered the public accounting profession, where I have stayed for 38 years. I currently hold a key leadership role in a mid-sized public accounting firm, Vicenti, Lloyd & Stutzman. I have been a partner for over 27 years and Managing Partner/ CEO of the firm for the past two years. Zandra can attest to the many conversations we’ve had about my struggles to make a meaningful and positive difference in the world through my work.
Fortunately, I have been working at a firm that deeply values making a positive difference in our communities and was part of the original mission and purpose of the business. Through my dissertation research, I focused most fully on community-engaged social responsibility, which includes working for social equity, protecting the natural environment, enabling human creativity, and serving a higher purpose. To deepen this commitment at my firm, I was involved in creating what we call our CARE initiative. The acronym stands for Community, Action, Responsibility, and Environment. The CARE team, made up of 8 to 10 employees, chooses at least one social cause and one environmental cause to support each year. In addition, our firm offers paid time off for employees to participate in a community service of their choice. Some examples of the activities our employees and the firm have supported with both time and dollars include:
Walking for the Hungry Building bikes for the girls and boys club Food drives Participating in the Relay for Life Cleaning beaches
Adopting parks Planting trees Filling backpacks of supplies for the youth at
David & Margaret
Building playgrounds on the campus of David & Margaret and Leroy’s Boys Home and later this month we are having our own Mary Ann Melby coming to educate us on California’s
water situation and how we can be more responsible We also support global initiatives that tie the work we do directly to giving. For example during each tax season, for every tax return we prepare, we choose a global cause to support. Some examples include:
Providing clean water in Malawi Meals to children in India
Education to children in Cambodia
And this last tax season we provided close to 100,000 day’s worth of seeds for crops in Malawi The final story I’ll share is when one of my dreams as a leader of our CARE program came true. Our
firm sponsored three employees to participate in a study tour to India which involved several days of hands-on community service in schools and hospitals. Listening to them describe their experience and the difference they felt they made during that week was truly the best day I’ve ever had at work. And although my initial dream of being a teacher was not realized, at least on that day I was part of a transformational experience. And on that day, I came home and was able to say to Zandra: businesses can do good in this world.
Christian Education & Youth Activities 13
Summer Camps, 2016
Camp La Verne is the outdoor ministry of the southern region of the Pacific Southwest District of the Church of the Brethren. Located near Angelus Oaks, CA and adjacent to Jenks Lake, Camp La Verne welcomes campers from grades 3 through 12, whether or not they participate in a Church of the Brethren congregation.
Fees for a week of camp were $250 if postmarked by June 20 or $350 if postmarked after June 20. There is a special discount for first time campers: $125 for the whole week!! To inquire about the first time discount, contact Kathy Doramus at (909) 593-8836 or [email protected].
Plan now to include a week at Camp La Verne!
Junior High Camp, entering 5th-8th grade, July 10-16 - Directors: Ben Sankey and Chris Davis
Junior Camp, entering 3rd -5th grade, July 17-23 - Director: Janet Hart Short
Senior High Camp, entering 9th -12th grade, July 24-30 - Directors: Erica Brown and Kevin Schatz
Registration forms are available in the church office. For more about Camp La Verne, visit www.camplaverne.org
Other questions? contact Dawna Welch at (909) 593-1364 or [email protected]
Youth In Good Hands July 4 - October 2, 2016 The youth will be in good hands while Janet Ober Lambert is on sabbatical. During the summer months and early fall, a number of volunteers have committed to help carry on with the church’s youth program and ministry. While details are still being finalized, below is a list of the folks who have agreed to serve. Please keep an eye on the church bulletin and your email for more information as it becomes available.
Outdoor Movie Night, July 9: Maura Unsoeld with Dena Hoover
Outdoor Movie Night, Date TBD: Karin Heckman Nelson with Dena Hoover
Youth Class, September 11-October 2: Rayna Harrison with Dena Gilbert
Back to Fall House Party, September 18 or 25: Victor and Sylvianne Sesteaga
October 16 Fall Fundraiser: Kay Hoover with Tom Hostetler and Corlan Harrison
Dunker Punks: Rayna Harrison
Staff Liaison to Youth Volunteers: Dawna Welch
Questions? Contact [email protected]
Opportunities to Serve and Share 14
Backpacks and School Supplies
for School Children in Need! Donations Welcome The Service Commission will once again be purchasing and filling backpacks with school supplies. This summer service opportunity is designated for school children whose families are serviced by Inland Valley Hope Partners. These families have limited resources and are often forced to choose between buying school supplies, buying groceries, or paying rent. The Service Commission will “front” the money to purchase the packs so they are ready when the students head back to school in August. They are inviting your donations to help cover their costs. An estimated twenty dollars will cover the cost of a pack filled with supplies, but any donation will be accepted. To make a donation to this effort, please place your gift in the offering plate (clearly marked) on any summer Sunday, or drop it by the church office during the week, or you can donate at the Service table on the courtyard on July 24 or July 31. Donations will be accepted from now until September 11. If more is raised than was spent, additional supplies will be purchased for the children in our community. Please make checks payable to the “La Verne Church of the Brethren” and write “Backpack Project” in the memo line.
Summer Lunch Program Fundraiser –
Thank you!! This is a free program for children from low income families who receive a free lunch during the school year. Once the school year ends, the free lunches are not available through the schools. The program runs Monday through Friday, June 13 through August 19, at Las Flores Park from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. The program is staffed by City employees and includes activities, crafts, and a free nutritious lunch. The Summer Lunch Camp program is funded entirely by donations from civic groups and faith communities like ours. Following worship on June 5, the children of this congregation helped collect over $1,000 to contribute to the program. Thank you for your generosity in supporting the City of La Verne Summer Lunch Program.
Opportunities to Serve and Share 15
Pentecost Offering for Denomination On Pentecost this year we took a special offering for the work of our denomination. Through this offering we support transformative ministries that provide resources and events for congregations, deacons, and people of all ages. We help sustain partnerships with brothers and sisters in Sudan, Haiti, Brazil, Nigeria, India, and the Dominican Republic. We help ensure that important leadership training is maintained and expanded. We undergird service-oriented ministries like Brethren Volunteer Service and workcamps. We help ensure the faith formation of a new generation. $1452.06 was received in our Pentecost offering. Our next offering for the denomination will be on September 18. (You can give to the denomination through the church anytime you choose. You don’t have to wait for that particular Sunday. Just be sure to make your check out to the La Verne Church of the Brethren and put Mission and Ministry Board on the notation line.)
Support Inland Valley Hope Partners –
Food Bank Help feed our neighbors in need by bringing a non-perishable food to church on Sunday. You can place your donation in the big pink bin in the narthex. Paul Wilkinson delivers contributions to the Beta Center of Inland Valley Hope Partners, an agency our congregation helped create, which has been feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless since 1968. Emergency Food Services are offered to very low, and low-income families and individuals at the Beta Program Center which provides 5 days of basic food needs. Donations of boxed cereal, dry and canned beans, and canned fruit are always appreciated!
Save the Date:
Interfaith Walk for Peace and
Friendship Sunday, October 16, 3:00-5:30 p.m. Sunday, October 16 has been designated as the day for the annual Interfaith Walk for Peace and Friendship. The walk will take place from 3:00-5:30 p.m., traveling from the Islamic Center of Claremont to the School of Knowledge to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and ending at Temple Beth Israel for a meal. The meal will coincide with the Jewish Sukkot observance.
Opportunities to Serve and Share 16
Mental Health Resources Mental illness doesn’t take the summer off. Year round, one in four families has a loved one facing a serious mental illness. There is help, however. In our area, alone, there are a number of organizations offering education, support groups, stigma reduction and coping skills. Below are resources from one of those groups: NAMI Pomona Valley.
NAMI Support Groups Schedules Support Groups for Family Members and Caregivers:
Held the 1st Tuesday of each month, 6:15 – 7:30 p.m. Claremont Presbyterian Church, 1111 N. Mountain Ave., Claremont.
Held the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. NAMI Pomona Valley Office, 462 N. Indian Hill Blvd., Claremont, CA 91711 * Park in Chase Bank parking lot and go to the NAMI Room, which is on the north wall of the lot.
Family Support Groups (Spanish Only): For family members and caregivers. Held the 1st Tuesday of each month, 6:15 – 7:30 p.m. Claremont Presbyterian Church, 1111 N.
Mountain Ave., Claremont. Support Groups for Individuals with Mental Illness:
Held on the first Tuesday of each month, 6:15 p.m. Claremont Presbyterian Church 1111 N. Mountain, Claremont.
NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group This group is for individuals with a diagnosed mental illness who are in recovery. If you are in recovery from a mental illness and need support we encourage you to attend.
Connection Groups are held weekly on Friday evenings from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the Pomona Valley Health Center, 1601 Monte Vista Ave., Claremont, CA 91711
NAMI Education Classes Peer to Peer:
The NAMI Peer-to-Peer Recovery Education Course can help if you are experiencing problematic anxiety and/or panic responses, major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar diagnosis, borderline personality diagnosis, co-occurring substance use/addiction, or post-traumatic stress (PTSD). Information is provided in a collaborative, confidential setting. Topics include strategies for personal and relational awareness, mindfulness, communication and coping skills, self-care, dealing with stigma, empowerment, and advocacy. Trained peer mentors teach this class, which follows a structured format patterned after an evidence-based recovery model. Ten weekly sessions. There is no charge.
Family to Family: A 12 week course for family members and caregivers of individuals afflicted with severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. Teachers are trained family members guided by a curriculum prepared and regularly updated by the national offices of NAMI. The course covers research to date on causes of mental illness, plus treatment and recovery programs as well as communication and coping skills.
NAMI Basics: This is a peer-education program for parents and other caregivers (such as foster parents) of children and adolescents with mental illness. This program is not appropriate for mental health professionals, and is taught by trained teachers who are the parents or other caregivers of individuals who developed symptoms before age 13. One night a week for six weeks. Classes are free of charge, including instructional materials.
For more information on any of these programs, please call the Information & Referral Helpline at (909) 399-0305 or visit http://www.namipomonavalley.org/.
Church at Large 17
What’s Up at Hillcrest in July
In 1949, Hillcrest began from the vision of Martha Lear, a member of the La Verne Church of the Brethren.
It has continued to serve the needs of older Brethren and others.
All the events listed are open to anyone who would like to attend.
Events and Activities in July:
SUNDAY 4:00 P.M. CHAPEL VESPERS 3 – INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY 10 – Jackie Doud. Annie Green, accompanist 17 – MUSICAL VESPERS with Ryan Mascalik - Maury Smeltzer Lounge 24 – Tom Hostetler, Dorothy Garner, accompanist 31 – TBA. Mary Kay Ogden, accompanist (The Vespers Service is broadcast on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:30 on the Hillcrest Channel.)
Want to help with Chapel Vespers? Chaplain Tom is interested in hearing from anyone who would like to participate in the 4:00 Sunday Chapel Vespers service as a speaker, special music, liturgist, or usher.
STUDIES LED BY PASTOR TOM Everyone is welcome to attend Pastor Tom’s studies at Hillcrest: A weekly bible study of “Romans” Thursday, 9:30 a.m. in the Galen Walker Board Room.
A men’s bible study of “Acts” meets on Tuesdays at 7:45 a.m. in the private dining room.
Pastor Tom leads a study of the Psalms at Woods Baker Lounge on Thursdays at 1:00 p.m.
Fun and Games – Daily, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., MSL Water Walk – Daily, 5:30 p.m. in the AFC Pool Aqua Fitness – Daily, 8:30 a.m. in the AFC Pool Chair Yoga – Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30 a.m. in the AFC Golf – Weekly on Monday, 8:30 a.m. Call Al @ 4076 Weaving – Weekly on Monday, 1:00 p.m. Resident Services Center Farkle – Weekly on Monday, 2:30 p.m. Birch Court Writing Group – Monthly on the 2nd Tuesday, 10 – 11:30 a.m., Birch Court Hillcrest Singers – Weekly on Tuesday, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m., Chapel Bridge – Weekly on Tuesday, 6:15 p.m., Birch Court and Weekly on Sunday, 3:00 p.m. in Pinecrest Chair Dance, Weekly on Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. in the AFC Ping Pong / Wii Bowling – Weekly on Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. in the Maury Smeltzer Lounge Dog Walk and Training, Weekly on Wednesdays, 9:00 p.m. at the Dog Park Folk/Line Dancing, Weekly on Thursday, 11:30 a.m. in the AFC Thrift Shop Open, Weekly on Thurs & Sat, 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Balance Training - Weekly, Tue & Thurs, 10:30 a.m. in the AFC Arthritis Fitness - Weekly, Tue & Thurs, 10:30 a.m. in the Maury Smeltzer Lounge Canasta – Weekly on Thursday, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m., Cafe/Fireside Lounge Friday Evening Program – Weekly, 6:45 p.m., Meetinghouse Southwoods Grief Support Group – Monthly on the second Friday, 2:00 p.m., Birch Court Jewelry Class – Weekly on Saturday, 9 – 11a.m., Birch Court
Church at Large 18
Connect with Annual Conference
Via Webcast June 29-July 3, 2016 Business sessions and worship services of the 2016 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference will be streamed over the internet. The schedule for all web broadcasts is as follows (all times are Eastern Time):
Wednesday, June 29 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Opening Worship Thursday, June 30 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Morning Business Session 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. Afternoon Business Session 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Evening Worship Friday, July 1 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Morning Business Session No afternoon business Session 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Evening Worship Saturday, July 2 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Morning Business Session 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. Afternoon Business Session 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Evening Worship Sunday, July 3 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. Closing Worship
To view any webcast, click the webcasting button on the Annual Conference homepage or log onto www.brethren.org/ac/2016/webcasts for additional information and instructions. You can join in at any time or restart the broadcast from the beginning. You can also comment and chat online with the webcast coordinator, Enten Eller. There is a cost to provide these webcasts. Viewers are asked to consider making an online donation to help make the ministries of our church known through these webcasts.
Church at Large 19
MESSENGER SUBSCRIPTION TIME
Dear Friends,
It is time again for MESSENGER subscriptions (new and renewal). Please print out and complete the form below. Return it promptly to the office or to Rennie Boardman, so we can get our list sent in on time. Do not put your check in the offering. Please look at the label of your latest issue of Messenger. If it says “9/17” you need not renew this year. If you are not sure, please, contact Rennie at (909) 593-2660.
Subscriptions are $14.50 for one (1) year and $27.00 for two (2) years. Make checks payable to La Verne Church of the Brethren and write Messenger on the memo line.
THIS IS YOUR NOTICE!
DEADLINE IS SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2016
There will NOT be reminders by phone or mail.
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It’s MESSENGER
Subscription Time!
