HE ADVENTURE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH

January 2020

GOD’s WORK. OUR HANDS 1 & 15

From the Council President 2

Council Connection 3

Craft Faire Memories 4

Scandinavian Dinner Memories 5

Christmas Play Memories 6

Chorale Service Memories 7

Winter Sanctuary: Final Countdown 8

Crab Feed and Silent Auction 9

Our Church: The Qalliu Family 10

Prayer Concerns 11

Birthdays & Anniversaries 12

Stewardship of Service 13

The Oak Tree (Poem) 13

Christmas Eve Memories 14

January Calendar 15

Good Grief Discussion 16

IN THIS ISSUE by Pastor Gabi

GOD’S WORK. OUR HANDS.

GOD’S WELCOME. OUR HEARTS.

This January 6, while the

Western (i.e., Catholic,

Anglican, and Protestant)

parts of the Christian

community will observe the

Feast of Christ’s Epiphany,

Eastern Orthodox Christians

will be celebrating their

Christmas Eve. The reason for

the different dates is the

different calendars that we are

following – the Gregorian

calendar introduced in 1582

by Pope Gregory XIII and the

older Julian calendar which

goes back all the way to

Julius Cesar and the year 45

B.C. If you see our secretary/

office manager between now

and January 7, please make

sure to wish her Merry

Christmas or Melkam Genna

in Amharic.

The liturgical season of

Epiphanytide lasts until Lent.

Readings during that time

typically include the visit of

the magi, all of Jesus’

childhood events, the

wedding at Cana, and Jesus’

baptism by John. An

epiphany is the sudden and

profound understanding of

something new or the

manifestation of a god to

people. As s Christians, we

believe that aspects of Jesus

Christ’s nature were revealed

in his birth, baptism, and

ministry. Likewise, we believe

that the world will experience

aspects of Christ’s nature

through the body of Christ,

the church. Epiphany,

therefore, is a call to us to

witness to the gospel in word

and deed, in the ways we

speak and act every day.

(continued on page 15)

FROM THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT

2

Law Offices of Robin Clark Bevier

& Associates,

Gold River Office 2479 Sunrise Blvd

Gold River, CA 95670 916-858-0904

Roseville Office

970 Reserve Drive, Suite 102

Roseville, CA 95661 916-787-0904

Well, apparently, I am no Robin

Silverstein. After last month’s

newsletter and my rendition of “The

Giving Tree” I heard from many of

you that I had the story wrong, and

some of you wanted to lend me the

book to read. With thanks to all, I

have now actually read the story.

Remember I said I was repeating a

story as my mother related to me,

and I already gave apologies to the

author; so all is good. I did,

however, have my mother read the

book as well. It still remains that the

point the book makes is that God’s

never ending love, no matter what

we do, is always there for us.

On that note, we turn the calendar

page to a brand new year-2020. Do

you remember Y2K and we thought

the world was going to go dark?

That night we were nervous and

wondering if everything we had built

was going to blow up. It did not, but

it demonstrated how too much of

our society relies on technology and

man-made rules. Have we gotten

away from reliance on God and all

that he supplies? Perhaps it is time

to think about why we all continue to

live, breathe and enjoy the world,

our families and our friends.

The point of “The Giving Tree” is the

constancy of God’s love – no matter

what we do, or don’t do.

Traditionally New Year’s is a time to

set resolutions – the things we will

do or do better, in the new year.

Some are silly, some are serious,

most are well intentioned, and many

will be abandoned shortly. But,

have you ever heard a resolution

that “I will attend church more often”

or “I will say prayers before bedtime

each night” or “I will help at the

church’ next outreach opportunity”?

I have not, (not that people are not

thinking it). But that, too, is the

point. We do not need to have a

resolution made out loud (a promise

to God) to do better. God knows us

and accepts us and loves us for

who we are, forgives us for anything

we do wrong, and allows us to grow

in his love, with or without a

resolution.

So, I still will make a resolution for

secular things (try to lose weight,

exercise more) – but I will rely on

God’s love for me to be never

ending. No resolution needed

there!! Happy 2020 to all of you!

Robin Clark Bevier

Nyekachi Douglas is beautiful young lady.

She represented Nigeria in the recent Miss

World contest, where she was first runner-up.

At the moment the winner of the contest was

announced, Nyekachi realized that it was not

her and that she was not going to be Miss

World. Her real beauty was at that point on

display for the world to see — what a really

beautiful person is — Nyekachi jumped up

and down, did a ‘happy dance’ and hugged

and congratulated the winner. She wasn’t

confused and thought she had won, she in

earnest was so overjoyed for the other

contestant that she paid no heed to the fact

that she had lost the contest … or did she?

This is the kind of selfless joy that someone

with real inner beauty has, whether it be for a

friend, a stranger, or another contestant. This

kind of joy, celebrated in the presence of

others that is for the benefit of others, gives

me hope for this world. In the same contest ,

the ‘Beauty with a purpose’ award was given

to another contestant, not Nyekachi, and

again, her joy and enthusiasm for the winner

could not be contained. Not only has she

gained the admiration of the other

contestants, she has gained admiration from

social media for her grace. Nyekachi Douglas

is a role model of mine for what it means to

be selfless and graceful.

To be selfless is to put oneself secondary to

another. It means to give of yourself in order

to benefit someone else.

Paul wrote to the Church in Corinth (1 Cor.

10:24) that “no one should seek their own

good, but the good of others.” To elevate

others at our own expense is not an easy

task, but that is exactly what we as Christians

have been tasked to do. At Advent Lutheran

Church, we, too, have the opportunity to

elevate others that are strangers to us. We

can share the joy of Christ with those who are

in need of being uplifted. We do this for the

sheer joy of uplifting them … and not because

we feel ‘we have to.’

The Winter Sanctuary for Advent Lutheran

begins on January 5 and runs through

January 12 (Sunday-Saturday), and this is

everyone’s opportunity and privilege to serve,

whether it be by staying a shift to monitor our

guests, cooking/ serving meals, donating

clothing, or just coming out to visit and share

a meal … and let our homeless guests know

they are loved and not forgotten. This service

we offer to our homeless neighbors uplifts

them and shows them how much we care for

them.

We lose sleep, we work hard, and we are

glorified by it! The struggle is the glory!

This is our challenge and our opportunity

to serve and be beautiful!

ADVENT’S MISSION: Through God's grace, we gather, worship, grow, and care 3

COUNCIL CONNECTION

Taking Joy in the Elevation of Others

by Scott Barbu

4

CRAFT FAIRE MEMORIES December 7, 2019

5

SCANDINAVIAN DINNER MEMORIES December 11, 2019

6

CHRISTMAS PLAY MEMORIES December 18, 2019

7

CHORALE SERVICE MEMORIES December 22, 2019

8

FINAL COUNTDOWN TO WINTER SANCTUARY by Barbara Olson

8

Only a few more days to Blast Off! On

January 5 we will begin hosting our

homeless guests. The response to this

mission outreach has been tremendous.

We have been able to secure a $250 grant

each from Rotary and from Thrivent and

we have a received a generous donation

from the Advent ladies who play Bunco

every month.

The Sunrise Food Ministry and Tony’s Fine

Foods are providing some of the food we

will use during the week. We have cooks

for all dinners, but the Sunday night cooks

and the Saturday night cooks need some

assistants.

The night owls, those people who are

willing to lose sleep over this project by

staying up from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. only need

one man for overnight Wednesday shift

(which is actually Thursday morning) from

1-7 a.m. In addition, we need one man and

one woman on Wednesday night, Jan. 8

for the early birds (8:30 - 1 a.m.).

We can use a few more hospitality folks to

come and eat supper with the guests and

help them get settled for the night. This is

one of the easiest jobs during the week.

If you can help please talk to Dorothy

Slade and Suzanne Henderson after

church and add your name to the sign-up

chart by the back door of the sanctuary. Or

take a shingle from the house there and

bring the item that is needed for our

breakfast bags by January 4th.

If you are unable to come during the week

please donate gently used warm clothing,

hand sanitizer, toiletry items, dark colored

socks and underwear, small towels and

wash cloths, hats and gloves, or reading

glasses and pray for our volunteers and

guests each day during the week.

Attention: Everyone who has signed up

to work during the Winter Sanctuary

Week We will have a short meeting after

church on January 5th to make sure we

have an information sheet for each

household and to give last minute details.

Please plan to stay for about 20 minutes.

After the meeting anyone who wants to

help sort through the donated clothing can

join us in the Friendship Hall.

9

Invitation from TOPS

TOPS have invited 2 police Department Representatives, Sergeant James

Evans and Meghan Huber, from Economic Development & Communications

Department, to address their meeting on January 16, 2020 from 10:15 am-

11:00 am. The Police Representatives will address matters on the

revitalization of the sunrise mall area, new businesses moving in and out of

the area, roads, crime and much more. The congregation is invited and

welcome to attend!

10

OUR CHURCH: MEET THE QALLIU FAMILY

The first in our new series of portraits of members of our church community is a about the

Qalliu (pronounce: Challioo) family: Rosemary, Subi, Ethan, and Noah. In 1997,

Rosemary moved with her parents and two brothers from England to Sacramento. In

2007, she graduated from Sac State with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. In 2008, she

married Subi who had come to the US as an exchange student from Albania. In 2015,

Rosemary became an American citizen. Rosemary and Subi have two amazing boys:

Ethan (age 9) and Noah (age 6).

Rosemary was first introduced to the Advent community by Margaret Johnson, who had

become a good friend of her when Margaret’s granddaughter, Anna, and Rosemary’s

eldest son, Ethan, were in preschool together. Margaret kept telling Rosemary about

Advent and invited her to check out our children’s program. Since the Qallius live close to

Advent, it was perfect and so convenient. Margaret first invited the family to the

Wednesday night church program. The boys would

go to the children’s Bible classes after dinner where

they met other kids.

Now both Ethan and Noah are in Cub Scouts. Last

year, they even served as greeters and ushers one

Sunday for a Cub Scout project. Both boys have

enjoyed being a part of the annual Children’s

Christmas programs and they also participated in the

recent Scandinavian Dinner passing out the cookies.

Rosemary says that “it didn’t take long before I

became attached to the church. Everyone is so warm

and welcoming at this church and they make me feel

like family.”

In October of this year, after being off work for six

years, Rosemary went back to work at Learning

Solutions, a company that deals with special needs children.

She was first introduced to the company in 2004 as part of an

internship through Sac State. In 2013, Rosemary left Learning

Solutions to have her second son, Noah. She loves her job.

Her responsibilities include doing behavioral therapy with the

autistic children which Rosemary finds rewarding as she is

able to make a difference in these kids’ lives. She works one-

on-one with a 14-year old boy at school and with several other

kids in the offices on afternoons.

Rosemary is glad to have become part of our church

community and looks forward to getting to know people better.

by Cornelia Chancellor

11

ACUTE PRAYER CONCERNS

The Rinde family, upon the death of Don’s mother,

Doreen

The Family of Richard Buhler, brother-in-law of

Marie Buhler, as they mourn his death

The family of Julia Huwe, as they mourn her death

The family of Britta Peterson as they mourn the

death of Glen’s oldest brother, Bret

Tanya Bowers as she mourns the death of her oldest

brother, Gene, and makes preparations for his

cremation and burial

The family of Peggy Mosher, as they mourn her

death

Terri Britt, friend of Karen Franz, who has stage 4

cancer

Inge Clarke, now also diagnosed with fractured knee,

in addition to her dislocated shoulder, in need of

help with chores

Twila Engler, newly diagnosed with congestive heart

failure

Sandi Galliher, friend of Kathy Henricks, facing a

recurrence of cancer

Jack Fox, brother-in-law of Kathy Henricks,

kidney failure

Margaret Johnson, recovering from repeat hip

surgery

Maynard Johnson, continues to battle cancer

Steve McCoy, Nancy King's brother, recovering from

back and colon surgeries

Ken Pescod, Joyce Duncan’s son-in-law, cancer

Pat Piotrowski, continued healing from broken hip

& arm

Erika Bettina Ramazzini, daughter of Hildegard

Willford, cancer

Paul Schedler, dealing with nerve damage in his

hands

Lois Sellers, at home, still on dialysis three days per

week

Greg Seo, friend of Dorothy Slade, cancer

Erika Shepherd, recovering after hand infection

Rod Sorenson, Karen’s brother-in-law, cancer

Atle Wammer, grandson of Dave & Barb, on chemo

therapy for his cancer

Julie Wright, cousin of Amy Gariano, brain cancer

Judy Zimmerman’s two sisters, each grieving the loss

of a son

INTERCESSIONS & THANKSGIVINGS

ONGOING PRAYER CONCERNS

Darlene and Bill Baker; Elaine Patterson; Meghann Smiley; Kurt, Karyl Cimini and Karen Sorenson’s

father; Willa Clore; Wendy Slater, friend of Kathy Henricks; Julia McLoughlin, friends of Henrick’s family;

Marilyn Pederson; Leonard and Winnie Parish; Heidi Swanson, niece of Kathy Johnson; Angie and Tom

Easter, friends of Natalie Jones; Joyce Duncan; Doreen Rinde.

PRAYERS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS SERVING IN THE MILITARY

Scott Atchley, Air Force; Alex Chesire, Air Force; Jason and Heather Stickney, nephew and wife of

Keith and Joyce Montag, Air Force; Heath Jennings, Linda Belchem’s son, Air Force; Charles Roney,

Army; David Schedler, son of Paul Schedler, National Guard; Sara Elliott, daughter of Bill and Diana

Elliott, National Guard; Brandon Drake, grandson of Curt & Pam Lipp, Army; Caitlyn Werth, Tom and

Audrey Werth’s granddaughter; Chaplain, Jordan Henricks, Amy Gariano’s cousin, Army; Fritz

Brinkman, son of Keith and Stephanie Brinkman, Marines.

Please notify the church office to add or remove your prayer request. Thank you.

E-mail: advent1@adventcitrusheights.org

Note: Long-term prayer requests are listed under “ongoing prayer concerns”

12

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

Connie Smiley, Jan 1

Dean Clatte, Jan 3

Christine Masaspino, Jan 7

Donald Rinde, Jan 7

Kirk Schutz, Jan 7

Tanya Bowers, Jan 8

Bruce Crain, Jan 8

Joyce Rau, Jan 8

Dale Rinde, Jan 12

Kayla Cimini, Jan 14

Karen Strom, Jan 14

Joy Aria, Jan 16

Dylan King, Jan 16

Ernie Rinde, Jan 17

Marilyn Hermanson, Jan 18

Allison Daby, Jan 19

Earl Rogers, Jan 19

Herb Lindner, Jan 29

Linda Parks, Jan 30

Cornelia & Tom Chancellor, Jan 11

Janet & Howard Quinlan, Jan 15

BIRTHDAYS

ANNIVERSARIES

13

STEWARDSHIP OF SERVICE JANUARY

Altar Guild Lois Sellers, Dorothy Michaelis, Leslie Scheurer,

Cornelia Chancellor

Ushers Tony Bubba, Joel Blaylock, Tom Chancellor, Troy

Malaspino, Leslie Scheurer,

January 5 January 12 January 19 January 26

Greeters Diane Peterson Dorothy Michaelis Jenny Stern Jackie Michehl & Dorothy Slade

Assisting Ministers

Jeffrey Belchem Darell Broaddus Melinda Malaspino

Luke Paterson

Lector Robin Bevier Leslie Scheurer Bill Bevier Mary Grivna

Techie Tom Werth Naomi Dasari Debbie Clore-Myers

Nolana Daoust

A mighty wind blew night and day

It stole the oak tree's leaves away.

Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark

Until the oak was tired and stark.

But still the oak tree held its ground.

While other trees fell all around

The weary wind gave up and spoke.

How can you still be standing Oak?

The oak tree said, I know that you

Can break each branch of mine in two,

Carry every leaf away,

Shake my limbs, and make me sway.

But I have roots stretched in the earth,

Growing stronger since my birth.

You'll never touch them, for you see

They are the deepest part of me.

Until today, I wasn't sure

Of just how much I could endure,

But now I've found, with thanks to you

I'm stronger than I ever knew.

Note: This poem was one

of the readings at the

memorial service

for Darrell Schneider

The Oak Tree by Johnny Ray Ryder, Jr.

14

CHRISTMAS EVE MEMORIES

15

THE MONTH AT A GLANCE: JANUARY 2020

GOD’S WORK. OUR HANDS (continued)

On this Second Day of Christmas (December 26),

I am filled with gratitude for the beautiful Advent

season (as evidenced by the many photos in this

newsletter issue) and our wonderful Christmas

Eve worship services. Thank you for all who

participated and made this last month so very

special to our church community!

A personal thank you also from my family and

me for the greeting cards, home-made

delicacies and crafts, and the generous

Christmas gift from the congregation. I take

these as encouragements to continue listening

to you, nudging you, and leading you in ministry.

When you add to those church gifts the gifts that

my children received the day before and the day

after Christmas (Anna’s first college acceptance

letter and Naomi’s new driver’s license), my

heart is truly overflowing.

This little note would not be complete without also

thanking everyone who turned in pledge cards to

our financial secretary, Ann Chehak, and who

contributed end-of-the-year gifts. Very soon, the

Finance Committee will begin working on the

budget for the next fiscal year. Having pledge

figures will certainly make their work a bit easier.

16

ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH

5901 San Juan Avenue Citrus Heights, CA 95610

www.adventcitrusheights.org

advent1@adventcitrusheights.org (916) 966-7242

For more than fifty years Good Grief, a book

written in 1962 by Chicago-based Lutheran

pastor and professor of pastoral care Granger

Westberg, has helped millions of people find

comfort and rediscover hope after loss. Good

Grief offers valuable insights and explores the

process of grieving, recognizing that grief is

complex and deeply personal.

In his book, the author identified ten stages of

grief: shock, emotion, depression, physical

distress, panic, guilt, anger, resistance, hope,

and acceptance. The book is organized in 10

chapters, each dealing with one of Westberg’s

ten stages. It is important to know that Westberg

recognized that grief is different for everyone.

In addition to the Good Grief book itself, two

companion volumes are included in the set:

The Good Grief Devotional, authored by Brent E.

Christianson, offers wise, honest companionship

to those who are struggling with the death of a

loved one, a divorce, the loss of a job, or another

major life transition. The fifty-two devotions follow

the ten stages of grief outlined in Westberg's

guide, Good Grief.

In the Good Grief Journal, author Jill Essbaum

offers a path for those who grieve, whether the

loss is from a physical death, a looming divorce,

declining health, bankruptcy, or some other

wound.

Beginning Wednesday, March 4, at 5:30 pm,

we will be holding a series of discussions based

on the special edition of the book published by

Augsburg Fortress as (Good Grief and two

companion volumes). The session will be offered

during our Wednesday night dinners. Those who

wish to participate will gather on one side of the

Friendship Hall with their meal. All others who

don’t wish to participate will gather on the other

side of the room with their dinner.

Whether you are experiencing your own grief or

helping a loved one through the process of grief,

this discussion will be helpful – I hope you’ll join

me as I will be facilitating this group! We have

been gifted a generous donation of 10 sets to get

us started! Please talk to me, if you wish to

participate and would like a copy of the books.

In Christ,

Nancy King

GOOD GRIEF DISCUSSION GROUP by Nancy King