CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS 2

PASTOR MIKE’S MEDITATIONS 3

Your SESSION at Work 4

STEPHEN MINISTRY 4

DEACON’S CORNER 5

PRAYER & HEALING & MILITARY 6

PRAYER & HEALING & PRAISES! 7

GIVING OF OURSELVES 8

GATHER IN WORSHIP 9

MARK YOUR CALENDARS 10

Dec & Jan CALENDARS 11

LIBRARY NEWS 12

ANKOR YOUTH 13

SHARE JESUS 14-15

FINANCIAL PEACE 16

UPCOMING EVENTS 17

OTHER NEWS & EVENTS 18

BIRTHDAYS/ANNIVERSARIES 19

SIERRA STORY ARTICLES: Please submit all articles for the upcoming month by THE 20TH of each month.

email: cecilia@sierrapres.com BULLETIN ARTICLES: Submit all weekly articles by

Tuesday for the upcoming Sunday Bulletin

Making the Most of Advent

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” ~John 8:12.

As we enter into Advent, it is with the acknowledgement that there are many aspects of this season that we personally look forward to. Whether it is family gatherings, festive decorations, or moving concerts, this season is one of anticipation and expectation. At the same time, I hear from many that this season can be a stressful one, that they can feel consumed by the many demands for our time and attention. So, how can we plan to make the most of this season and stay centered on Jesus as the Light of the World? Let me suggest three things… Look Upward! Unfortunately Advent can be one of those seasons where we get caught up in the tyranny of the urgent and where the frenzy of activity can cause us to lose sight of what God is doing in our lives. How can we counteract this? One way, is by making worship a priority. I love the carols that we sing as a congregation in this season and the special music that is sung or played by our choirs. Music has a unique ability to draw our attention upward toward God. In addition to our regular Sunday morning worship services, I encourage you to participate in our Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 6

th at 3pm and one of our Christmas Eve Services at

5 pm (Family Worship) 7pm (Candlelight Service). If you read through Luke 1-3 you will see the central characters of the Christmas Story like Mary, Zechariah, and the Angels bursting forth in praise to God and our worship gatherings invite you to join them. Look Inward! Pausing for times of prayer and introspection during this season is critical to our staying centered on Christ. I love that in Luke 2:19, amidst the hustle and bustle of traveling to Bethlehem for the census, giving birth in an animal stable, and being visited by strangers (shepherds), it says that “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” It isn’t easy to find contemplative time during this busy season, but let’s face it; I doubt it was easy for Mary either! One way to encourage this kind communion with God is through the advent devotional we are providing from Henri Nouwen, entitled Unto us a Child is Born. I love the depth and authenticity of Nouwen’s writings and encourage you to plan to read these short devotionals. Copies can be found at the welcome table in the lobby. Look Outward! This season is not a joyful one for everyone. There are those who are struggling economically, will experience the holidays for the first time without a loved one who has passed away, or who live in other parts of the world where there are fewer resources, who all need to know Christ’s love. The reason we celebrate Christmas is that Christ looked outward, out of heaven and into this world in need, and chose to not only look outward but act on what he saw by reaching out in love. There a number of ways we can look outward this Christmas season. One opportunity we had on Sunday, November 29

th was partnering with Pastor Thaddee, who is visiting

us from Kagufi, Rwanda. We wrote out Christmas cards for unsponsored children who are involved in his Compassion International Project. Thank you to everyone who provided the wonderful soups and finger foods and to those who helped beautify our Sanctuary. Each of the Sundays that follow will include a mission partner lighting the Advent Candle and sharing how Christ is shining his light into the world through them.

SESSION REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2015 Formed a Committee to study the financial condition of the church, evaluate average budget allocations of like-sized churches, design a financial plan based on the Session approved Vision, Mission and Values statements, and propose a 3 year plan to achieve determined goals to be approved by Session. Jeff Patton and Ellen Gammelgard will co-chair the committee and add five (5) members from the congregation. A letter from the City of Nevada City requesting shelter space during the cold winter months was not approved. Because there would be no pre-planning and set time for using the facilities, it was thought to be too difficult to have the church and a church volunteer available at the last minute to house the people. Approved having one blended service centering on Communion on January 3, 2016. Approved the annual Mexicali mission trip on March 19-26 and to be the sending church for Emily Dyer to work with Watoto in Uganda from January to May 2016. Mary Reeve, Clerk Pro Tem

“Christmas Gift Suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance.

To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service.

To all, charity. To every child, a good example.

To yourself, respect.” O. Arnold

"...Peace, peace, to those far and near." says the Lord.

Isaiah 57:19

We wish you God's Perfect Blessings, Your Stephen Ministers

As I look back on my 2 1/2 years as Parish 1 Deacon, I

can’t help but be amazed at the most incredible aspect of being a Deacon: witnessing the blessings that the Deacon’s bestow. And

this year, as has happened each year I have served, the Deacon Fund continues to receive more than it has given. C.S. Lewis said: “When we lose one blessing, another is often most unexpectedly given in it’s place”. This has certainly proved true here at Sierra. The Deacons thank all of you for your generosity, support, and encouragement this year. May you all have many blessings! Merry Christmas, Dorothy Fowler

The Deacons need volunteers to prepare meals. If you can help, please contact Anna Ogden at 271-0690.

Calling Knitters and Crocheters SPC’s supply of prayer shawls has been depleted. Deacons give prayer shawls to people who are seriously ill, have lost a close loved one, or suffered other major trauma. The prayer shawls are a tangible touch of love from the church family and a reminder of God’s love and care. Each prayer shawl has been prayed over and a prayer card is tied with a ribbon to the article. Prayer shawls may be of any color, various sizes, and washable yarn. For more information or help, call Selma Wright, 478-1104.

HEALING PRAYER—Prayer for God's healing touch on any area of your life is offered after each Sunday worship service in the Prayer Room. On the third Sunday of each month, Prayer Stations are set up inside the

Sanctuary. All prayers are strictly confidential. Please contact our Prayer Team Leaders Dave & Linda Anderson for more information. Healing Rooms of Nevada County takes place on the 1st & 3rd Thursday evening of each month, from 7-8:30pm at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital in the Chapel—Located at 155 Glasson Way. Enter through the main entry doors. Christian prayer for healing in a small group setting. For more information, please call 478-1478.

Pray Nevada County Each Tuesday, Noon-1:00 PM Open to all for Christian prayer

December 2015 Sierra Presbyterian Church

January 2016

Bethel Church

13010 Highway 49, Grass Valley

February 2016

The Salvation Army

10725 Alta Street, Grass Valley

HEALING PRAYER

Name Branch/Div/Location Family/Friend

Thomas Akin Army Betz’s Family Friend

Rick Atmospera U.S. Army—Hawaii Stan & Claudia Shurtz

Son-in-Law

Jason Bailey U.S. Army Rangers Dennis & Bobbie Bailey

Matthew Doyle U.S. Navy—Lemoore, CA Judy Doyle—Son

Matt Dusch U.S. Army—Warrant Officer

Colorado Springs, CO Stan & Claudia Shurtz

Stepson

Anthony Gannuscio Helicopter Pilot

Afghanistan Bert & Shirley Binder’s

Nephew

Anthony Gilleland Staff Sgt.—Marines

Afghanistan Bob & Gladys Joost

Great Nephew

Steven Harvey US Coast Guard Reserves

Lake Tahoe Jonathan & Denise Harvey's

Son

Shane Havle Marines—Iraq Betz Family Friend

Casey Haynes Iraq Tish Wathen— Neighbor’s son

Casey Lee U.S. Army

Colorado Springs, CO Greg Lee’s Son

Tech Sgt.. Larry Moorhead

U.S. Air Force Kandahar, Afghanistan

Beth & Jack Moorhead Grandson

Matthew Nesselroad U.S. Army Reserves Dick & Joan Ortlieb

Grandson

Major Megan Meinholz U.S. Army The Spreiers—Daughter

Jeff Price Afghanistan The Pleski’s Grandson

Lt Cmdr. Phil Pelikan Chaplain-USS Essex Karen Tyner

Alec Schreiber Lance Corp. USMC

Camp Pendleton, CA Paul Schreiber’s

Grandson

Matt Schreiber M/Sgt. USMC Okinawa Paul Schreiber’s Son

R.J. Speidel Army—Fort Sills, OK Doug & Melanie Coursey

Nephew-In-Law

Matthew Ward Afghanistan Charles & Norma Black

Nephew

Walter Wiggins U.S. Army Special Forces Nate & Betty Beason

Evan Wolverton, LCpl USMC—Camp Pendleton Denise Harvey’s nephew

Please email any updates to cecilia@sierrapres.com

Prayer and Healing Thank God for the birth of His Son, our Savior, and thank

God for your rebirth. Prayer warriors can rejoice with you.

Haven’t been reborn? Prayer warriors can help with that

too. Meet them after the worship services any Sunday.

They are stationed in front of the sanctuary on the 3rd

Sunday of each month and in the Prayer Room on the other Sundays. Other prayer times

are available by request. Contact Dave and Linda Anderson, Prayer Team Leaders.

Submitted by Selma Wright

Thanks to each of you who came alongside of Tony Reid, my homeless friend who has attended our church for over 3 ½ years. You, our congregation and staff, made Tony feel welcome and loved each Sunday, even when he was high, dirty and smelly. I’m so proud of you, as loving others is really something you do very well. Tony’s mother and two daughters have visited with us several times over the years and are so thankful. Tony was also our star evangelist, he brought about a dozen men to church over the last few years. Last week, after completing 6 weeks of rehab in Auburn, Tony traveled to the Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission where he will be a client for the next 13 months or more before graduating. Well done, good and faithful servants, Well done ! Jeff Patton

The Bible speaks about the power of God in Jesus Christ to heal. You are invited to attend

this seminar to become equipped in the biblical principles of Healing Ministry. This seminar is presented as a hands-on workshop opportunity. There will be teaching on the biblical principles of healing and application of these principles

through personal experience. If you are in need of physical healing yourself, you will not only

learn how God heals through you, but you will also have the opportunity to experience the

healing of God through others. Sierra Presbyterian Church

Friday Evening—7:00pm-9:30pm and Saturday—9:00am-4:00pm

The cost for this seminar is $35 per person ($25 for those who have previously attended this SMI

healing seminar, $25 for youth 12-19). This includes lunch and the seminar manual. For further details

and to register, visit our website or sierraministries.org.

Some of the Thank You Notes Received after delivering the checks:

Dear Pastor Mike, Thank you for choosing LivingWell Medical Clinic as one of the recipients of the Annual Labor Day Yard Sale proceeds. Dick DeLisser came by yesterday and made a special presentation on behalf of the church. You have strengthened our hands and encouraged our hears with your recent gift. Because of your partnership, more women will discover hope to continue their pregnancies. A hope that looks at a challenging situation, a circumstance in life that they didn't see coming, and see that even though the path through it difficult, they will get through it. We look forward to what God will do through Sierra Presbyterian Church's generosity in the year to come as we minister together to those He brings through our doors! Serving together, Cathy Seapy, CEO Pastor Mike and the People of Sierra, What a blessing it has been serving with you for so many years. You are a constant encouragement with your support and faithful service to Our Lord in our area. It is impossible for a ministry like Wolf Mountain to exist without churches like you to serve. Thank you for your generosity in the gift from the Yard Sale profits. It is a huge blessing as we approach the end of the year. We thank the Lord for you and the labor you are doing. Tim Moore, Wolf Mountain Christian Camp, Hebrews 6:10 Dear Friends, Thank you for your contribution of $2,667 from your 35th Annual Yard Sale to KARE Crisis Nursery. Your Support is deeply appreciated. Every dollar we receive helps us to offer respite to children and their families in their time of crisis. Again this year, we have seen a significant increase in the need for our services. In this economic climate, many of our young families are struggling just to keep their heads above water. One of the greatest gifts we can give them is hope, and we at the Nursery are doing everything we can to do just that. We thank you for showing your support and caring in such a tangible way. Thank you for believing in us! By continuing to work together, we can all make this community a safer place for it's children! Warmest regards, Lynn A Woerner, Executive Director

God’s Hands and Feet On November 9

th, members of the SPC local

mission team, headed by Linda Norman, personally delivered the checks to our 9 local ministry partners (Interfaith Food Ministry, Sierra Ministries International, Anew Day, Wolf Mountain Christian Camp, Christian Encounter Ministries, KARE Crisis Nursery, LivingWell Medical Clinic, Emergency Assistance Coalition, and Hospitality House). In case your forgot, the 35

th Annual Yard Sale generated $34K, and

with a member of our congregation paying the $3K worth of expenses, distributed $10K to SONshine Preschool, and $24K to the local ministries, each receiving $2,667. This is the most we have ever paid to our partners, 100% of the proceeds ! In a cover letter to each organization, we reminded them, “You are the hands and feet of Jesus and we are so excited to be able to partner with you.” Thanks to each of you who supported the Yard Sale that enabled SPC to make these generous and much needed donations. Jeff Patton

Discover Jesus—The Light of the World —THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

COMING IN JANUARY: On Sunday, January 3rd, we will have a special Service at 9:30am in the Sanctuary, where we will join together in Worship as one family. This Service will continue our discovery

of Jesus, in light of our Mission and Vision Statement. Our purpose is to be a growing community of devoted followers of Jesus Christ, as we invite people to …. Discover Jesus by gathering in worship Follow Jesus by growing together in smaller groups Love Jesus by giving of ourselves in love for others Share Jesus by going into our community and beyond to reflect the Good News Also, that Sunday at 10:45am, Pastor Mike will lead a class as an introduction to “The Emotionally Healthy Church” Adult Sunday School Classes that will begin in January.

Our Adult Sunday School Classes for Advent will compliment the Sermon teaching on Sundays.

"ADVENT SERIES"

9:00AM & 10:30AM

DATE SCRIPTURE TEACHER

12/6 Luke 1:26-38 Charles Erion

12/13 Luke 1:39-80 Linda Anderson

12/20 Luke 2:1-20 Charles Erion

Christmas Eve Services: 5:00pm—Family Service / 7:00pm—Candlelight Service

Celebrating and Discovering Jesus as the Light of the World! 9:00am Traditional Service / 10:30am Contemporary Service

This Advent Season, we are celebrating Jesus as the Light of the World. One way we are doing this is by having a different mission partner of ours participate by lighting the Advent Candle and sharing a bit about how Christ is shining His light through them as missionaries.

Adult Spiritual Development in the New Year: The Emotionally Healthy Church In recent years, the leadership of Sierra Presbyterian Church, including both Staff

and Session, have studied and discussed Peter Scazzero's helpful book, The Emotionally Healthy Church: A Strategy for Discipleship that Actually Changes

Lives. We would now like to share it with the congregation by having the Sunday morning Adult Spiritual Development class focus on it over the winter at both the

9am and 10:30am hours. Copies of the book can be obtained through our church library. A kick-off class will occur with Pastor Mike leading on Sunday, January 3rd at 10:45 am in Ryosa Hall immediately following our one worship service at

9:30 am that morning. Childcare and/or a concurrent Children's Ministry program will occur in order for parents to be able to attend.

Sundays—9am Traditional / 10:30am Contemporary 12/04—MOMS4MOMS: Library 9:15-11am 12/06—Second Sunday in Advent 12/06—Christmas Worship Concert—3pm 12/08—Staff Christmas Party @ Griffins: 11am-1pm 12/08—Session Meeting @ Griffins: 5:30pm 12/10—Hospice Celebration of Life 12/12—KARE Crisis Nursery Santa’s Shoppe 12/13—Third Sunday in Advent 12/13—Monthly Birthday/Anniversary Celebration 12/13—The Gathering—for Families 12/15-12/16—Women of Worth Basket Distribution 12/16—ankor Youth Christmas Party 12/18—SONshine Family Christmas Party-6:00pm 12/19—GV Male Voice Choir Christmas Concert 12/20—Fourth Sunday in Advent 12/20—January Sierra Story Articles Due 12/24—Christmas Eve Services at 5pm and 7pm 12/31—Family Fun Night New Year’s Eve

2016: 01/08—Epiphany Party—Worship Arts 01/22-23: Authority to Heal Seminar with Rev. Dan Prout 01/29-30: Presbytery of the Pacific—Anaheim, CA 02/06—Discover Membership Class 8:30am-12:30pm 02/12, 05/06—Parent’s Time Out Nights 02/17-04/13—Financial Peace University 02/20—Discover Spiritual Growth Half Day Retreat May, 2016: Mentoring Focus May, 2016: Service IS Worship Sunday 07/22-24—Family Camp

EVERY Sunday:

EVERY Monday:

EVERY Tuesday:

EVERY Wednesday:

EVERY Thursday:

EVERY Friday:

EVERY Saturday:

Worship Services: 9:00 Traditional 10:30 Contemporary

PRAISERCISE for Women: 7:30am to 9am - Activity Room

Men’s Bible Breakfast: 6:30am

PRAISERCISE for Women: 7:30am to 9am - Activity Room

SIERRA WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY 9am in Ryosa beginning in Sept.

PRAISERCISE for Women: 7:30am to 9am - Activity Room

HEALING PRAYER after Services ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL 9AM & 10:30AM

Stephen Minister Support—Selected dates—contact Jeanne

SPC Staff Meeting and Devotional 10-11:30—Library

Christian Women in Stitches Quilting Group meets on the 3rd Wednesday 10-2 in Room C

SPC Men's Small Groups 8:00-9:30am (Room B) (beginning in January)

Holy Helpers (church bulletins)9:00am-10:30am in the Library

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS: 9:00am Childcare & 10:30am Programs

BULLETIN ARTICLES FOR THE UPCOMING SUNDAY ARE DUE ON TUESDAYS

Worship Planning Meeting—1:00pm Cecilia’s Office

ankor Youth: 5:30-7:30PM Hatcher 1

Grief & Loss Support Group 10am-11:30am Prayer Room 1st & 3rd Thursdays

Family Fun Night (6:30-8pm) or Parent’s Time Out (6:30-8:30pm) Selected Fridays

ankor Youth: 10:15-11:30 “ankored” Meet in Hatcher

Third Sunday Worship Practice 5-6:30pm in the Sanctuary

PRAY NEVADA COUNTY: 12-1pm:

See Page 6 for Locations

*Praise Band Practice: 7:30-9pm *AV Rehearsal 7:15pm-8:30pm

Choir Rehearsal 3:30pm & 7:00pm Bell Choir Rehearsal 5:15-6:30pm

NEVADA UNION FOOTBALL TEAM HOST PREGAME DINNERS THROUGH 11/6

2nd & 4th Sunday of each month: The GATHERING For Families-4:30pm

Library Team meets every other Monday

AA Group Hatcher 3—12-1pm

Primary Purpose AA Group-Hatcher 1 6:30-8:30pm

AA Group- Hatcher 3 11am-12pm

2nd Sunday of Every Month: Celebrate Birthdays/Anniv between Services

ESKATON Bible Study with Selma 1:30pm Theater

Sierra Services for the Blind—1st & 3rd <——WEDNESDAYS 1:30-3pm—Room B

Coming up:

(Events in italics are outside groups)

* See Weekly Calendar

in the Sunday Bulletin

for any rehearsal or

other updates

Birthday & Anniversary Celebration 10am

Christmas Eve Services 5 & 7pm

Session Meeting 6pm

Deacon Mtg 3pm

Finance—2:15pm

Family Fun Night New Year’s Eve

Party

GV Male Voice Choir

Concert 2pm

Hospice Celebration of Life 6:00pm

KARE Crisis Santa’s Shoppe

Mission Team Meeting 4:30pm

Sierra Bible Study Christmas Brunch

MOMS4MOMS 9:15-11am Library

Christmas Music Concert

3:00pm

Properties Team Meeting 10:00am-Room C

Personnel Team Meeting 4pm in the Library

Set Up for KARE Crisis Santa’ Shoppe

Nominating Team Meeting 12-1pm

Stephen Minister Support 11am-1pm Room B

SWAT Team Meeting

5-6pm—Library

Ankor Youth Christmas Party

SONshine Preschool Christmas School Break

Begins

9:30am BLENDED WORSHIP SERVICE 10:45am Pastor Mike to lead class on upcoming classes

Small Group Vision Team 10:45am

SWAT Team Meeting

5-6pm—Library

Worship Arts Epiphany Party 6pm-9pm Ryosa

Birthday & Anniversary Celebration 10am

Nominating Team Meeting 12-1pm

Stephen Minister Support 11am-1pm Room B

Ankor Youth BASE Topic 5:30pm-7:30pm

Martin Luther King School Holiday

January Sierra Story Articles Due

February Sierra Story Articles Due Healing Prayer Seminar at SPC

Sierra Ministries International RSVP Only—See Page 7

Mission Team Meeting 4:30pm

EPC Presbytery of the Pacific Anaheim, CA

Concert Full Dress Rehearsal 10am-12:30pm

Properties Team Meeting 10:00am-Room C

Personnel Team Meeting 4pm in the Library

SONshine Preschool Family Christmas Party

Family Fun Night New Year’s Eve

Party

Bells of the Sierra Practice @5:15

Bells of the Sierra Practice @5:15

Session Meeting 6pm

Deacon Mtg 3pm

Finance—2:15pm

Library Book Reviews for December

THE VOICE IN THE VOLKSWAGEN Wonder whose voice spoke to Johana that night and what was said? “I didn’t want to be captured”. You will need to read it to find out what happened. Following are comments by readers of THE VOICE IN THE VOLKSWAGEN: This is a delightful and insightful book – one of the few books I have read in one sitting. I literally could not put it down. Heartwarming and satisfying. The author clearly has a talent for immersing the reader into her story. With charming style and precious illustrations, Johana’s book is a great read and a perfect gift for friends and family. Beautifully written and uniquely expressed. Voice in the Volkswagen is both spiritual and great fun! Interesting combination! I thought I’d thumb through it. Didn’t stop until the end – laughter and tears accompany a piquant story. Shocking, sometimes sad, fascinating story about one person’s reap and harvest. A real gem! We have this book in the library and what a treat to read a book written by one of our own members. It is her story! Johana Goldberg Garrison

Another Review of Disaster Pastor by Rev. Toby Nelson (former Interim Pastor at SPC) This is a very easy book to read. It is a difficult book to read. It is full of heart warming stories. It is full of gut wrenching stories. Would I recommend that you read this book? Absolutely! Toby opens his soul – his heart in these stories. What he (and others) who volunteer in disasters endure in is unbelievable. For me, it would be UNENDURABLE. I thank Toby for sharing his stories. God bless him and all others who have been and will continue to be part of this ministry. Cora Hughes

BILL IS BACK! YIPPEE! Christmas is coming and our library is ready with new Christmas DVD’s for kids and adults. We also have two copies of “The Radio Show” produced by Jonathan Steel and performed by our own church members. Cecilia and Paul Shampay did the video taping and put together the DVD for us. We have 2 copies and thank them for doing this. Be sure to check out the two book reviews this month. One is Cora Hughes’s review of “Disaster Pastor” and the other is Johana Garrison’s review of her own book. I read it and enjoyed her story and how God pursued her and would not let her get away. Another book I would like to point out to you is “The Treasure Principle” by Randy Alcorn. This is a book that Pastor Mike is having the Session read. I read it and it gave me a new vision for giving. A joyful look at how we should view the “treasure” God has entrusted to us. Life is a treasure hunt and those of us who have accepted Jesus have already experienced part of what God desires for us to find and enjoy. Heaven is still ahead for us and the culmination of the hunt. There is another treasure available and this book details the principle that enables us to find it and experience the secret joy it provides. It is a small book but it packs a real punch. Check it out. We will also have available booklets on “Heaven” by Randy Alcorn. This is a

condensed version of his book and a great resource to share with family and friends who may have questions about where we will spend eternity. We are selling these for $2.00 each. They should be here any day. Share with us what you are reading. It doesn’t have to be something you got from our library. It may be just what someone else needs or has been looking for to help them on their spiritual walk or to just find enjoyment. Have a Blessed Advent Season!! Your Library Team

“We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul” Hebrews 6:19

Ankor Youth at Sierra Presbyterian Church is our program for 6th – 12th graders. It includes Sunday morning “Ankored” 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. in Hatcher Hall, Wednesday evening “Ankor” 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. including dinner and other special events as scheduled. We focus on growing “A New Kind Of Relationship” i.e. our relationship with Jesus, the anchor for our soul.

One of the Ankor youth has had to be absent from our weekly gatherings for a while due to a fall sports commitment. This youth said they were looking forward to the end of the season so that they could return to their second family, that being Ankor. Ankor is one of those places where young people are known by name. Sometimes we only see them a few times a year but they are always welcomed back with open arms. Do you have a place that feels like home away from home? A place where you can just be yourself? A place where you are loved as well as encouraged to become your best self? Do you know a teenager who would like to join our family? We always have room for more!

This past month some of our youth fasted for 30 hours and participated in a weekend program to learn more about God’s people all across the globe, many of whom go hungry and many of whom die of starvation. It was an eye-opening experience for them to put themselves voluntarily through what is a daily experience for so many in our world. This month I would like to share some responses about their experience:

What surprised you about the famine? “A lot of people said they would come (but didn’t)” “I was surprised that I was not hungry” (they drank juice regularly through the 30 hours).

What was the hardest part of fasting for you and why? “The hardest part was being at school because everybody else had food” “Ignoring my stomach ache”.

What did you learn about hunger, homelessness and God through this experience? “God has a plan for everyone” “People are hungry and some die. The homeless are also hungry. God is always with them.” “I became closer to God at night just spending time with him.”

And from one of the youth’s parents “I prayed for parents around the world who don’t have the means to feed their kids! I have thought about childhood hunger many times before but this time my heart really broke for the mommies and daddies.”

During the month of November and early December we will be wrapping up our study of the book of Colossians. We also will go Christmas Caroling at Crystal Ridge Skilled Nursing Facility on Wednesday December 9

th and then have our traditional Christmas Party on Wednesday December 16

th with a white

elephant gift exchange, singing Christmas carols and a reading of the Christmas story. We are also starting to get excited about our Winter Retreat in January, a time for Bible study, small groups and a fun day skiing, snowshoeing or sledding in the snow.

Check out the church web site for more information or contact Jeff at the church at #265-3291 X27.

Submitted by Karen Partch, Volunteer Youth Staff.

Mexicali Mission Trip Wow, here we are again planning our 4th annual mission trip to Mexicali. After some 20 odd years of supporting pastor Juan Luna in Santa Maria we are now in our 4th year of supporting him and his church in Mexicali. Not only have we helped the church there build a physical church addition and helped support them in their VBS program, but we have also encouraged the congregation by our presence in their lives every year. They look forward to us just being there every year to support them spiritually as well as physically. Whether we build something large, or just paint and refurbish what is already there, there are plenty of projects to do. The entire week is filled with hard work but the evenings are filled with food and fellowship. Prayerfully consider joining us for an exciting and blessed experience. Dan Hyland, 478-0817

Marsha Ostrom will be going on a Mission Trip to Mexicali in the month of January. She will be teaching the women machine sewing, singing, art, and gardening. She would like donations of the following:

Simple, older sewing machines that you are willing to donate.

All sewing items (threads, scissors, needles, pins) and woven fabrics.

Quality Artist Grade Supplies: paper, good brushes, water color paints

Small planting shovels

Monetary Donations (the sewing machines need to be checked out, prior to leaving) Thank you for your support—Please give these items to Marsha or call her and she will pick them up.

Financial Peace University is coming to SPC!

Financial Peace University (FPU) is a 9-week long class that teaches you how to handle money God’s way. Dave Ramsey created Financial Peace University over 20 years ago after going through some serious money troubles himself. He ended up declaring bankruptcy after a series of events. It was then he set out to understand and learn how money worked and how to handle money God’s way. The Bible has a lot to say about money. In fact, Jesus talked more about money than He did about love.

We all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace University is that plan. Whether you are just starting out, in the midst of trying to pay-off debt, dealing with a financial emergency, wondering how to save for your future or are looking toward the future to retirement, FPU is for you. Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive group activities, FPU presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you've dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more! The average family pays off $5,300.00 in debt and saves $2,700.00 in the first 90 days.

Financial Peace University will begin at SPC on February 17th, 2016 at 6:30pm and will

be coordinated and led by Jonathan Harvey. Materials for the class cost $93.00 and registration begins this month. Additional information along with a quick video and online registration can be found at http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/locations/class/1006727 and on the Church website. When signing up through the online registration link, click on the “Register and Purchase” button on the right and then after entering your name and contact information click the “I already have membership materials”. We will have the membership materials available beginning in January at the Church so that you do not have pay for shipping. For additional information, or if you would rather register in person, contact Jonathan Harvey.

“The rich rules over the poor and the borrower is slave to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7

Live like no one else so you can live like no one else!

Ring in the New Year

Open House! December 31st 7pm-

midnight in Ryosa Hall.

SIERRA Kids is hosting a Celebration. This is an event for all! We want to give you a fun way to celebrate the New Year. More details coming in

your weekly program!

CHRISTIAN WOMEN IN STITCHES Serving Our Veterans!

Pictured on left in order are Betty Curry, Rena Criss, Danelle Brown, Ruby Lee Foster, MaryAnn MacDonald and Sharon Koslowsky. The ladies gave 14

quilts to Veterans at Crystal Ridge. Pictured on the right are those same ladies with Cliff Newland at Wolf Creek where Cliff was presented with a quilt as well as 6 other Veterans there. All of the ladies pictured here and all of the other ladies in the group worked on the quilts and they said it was a great joy and a pleasure!

BELLS OF THE SIERRA Using Spiritual Gifts—Members of the Handbell Choir are still waiting to welcome a new member. Are you using your gifts to support the ministries of our church? If you can read music or at least understand how to read rhythm, now would be a great time to get involved. If interested, please contact Gordon at church or call 432-1339.

Christmas around the World So many Countries, So many Traditions, Celebrate Christmas in their own way. So many Religions, So many People. Sometimes Celebrate Christmas in a Church. It’s Christmas around the World, As it should really be, It’s Christmas around the World, On the birth of Christ Child so Heavenly. So much Food, So much Gifts, Celebrate Christmas with a great big party. So much Joy, So much Giving Of Oneself to others to help out on Christmas. It’s Christmas around the World, Spinning Stories of Past and Present, It’s Christmas around the World. Of what God has created and sent. A Lot of songs, To Sing and Dance, Celebrate Christmas in a grand way, With all of Family and Friends, And all the other people too, Celebrate Christmas together.

It’s Christmas around the World, From the morning sunrise to as the sun set at night, It’s Christmas around the World, Following the Holy Star as it glows so bright. Pray for Rain Lightning flashes before my eyes, As the Thunder cracks along the sky, The Storm moves fast into the night, Never know where the lightning bolt will strike, When the power went out briefly twice. Pray for Rain, Pray for Rain, Hear me Lord, I Pray for Rain. Electricity is in the air, Wind is blowing everywhere, clouds moving around, Hear the roar of a rumbling sound, When the rain finally hit the ground. Pray for Rain, Pray for Rain, Hear me Lord, I Pray for Rain. I tried to sleep as long as I can, But it wasn’t in the plan, So here it is, So here I am. “Christmas Around the World” and “Pray for Rain” Poems written by Patrick Thomas, member of SPC