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Joshua Tree UMC has a congregation in need of the comfort and hygiene items listed below. Please do whatever you can to help by donating these items (unused and unopened) and put them in the basket in the Narthex. We will keep collecting these items until Sunday, September 25, 2011. "Whatever you have done for the least of these, you have done for me."
Thanks to all those who were able to donate blood at the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, Sep 4, 2011..
Twenty-two donors were able to donate blood. Each donation can save up to three adult lives or nine infant lives. That you for helping to make happy endings! Give blood... give the gift of life!
Saturday, September 24, 2011 from 7:00am until 2:00pm
Rummage through sale items to find your treasures! All proceeds will go to UMCOY Koinonia Scholarship Fund.
Donations will be accepted between September 19-22 in the Fellowship Hall. Bring in your unwanted household goods, dishes, clothing, knick-knacks, tools, books, small furniture, bedding, toys, costume jewelry, and more. If you need assistance with anything, please call the office at 797-1143. Early donations can be placed behind the stage. The Koinonia Class reserves the right to refuse donations that are damaged, too large to manage, or can not be sold.
Bring a favorite game to the Fellowship Hall at 6:00pm for a fun evening with your friends! There will be Yahtzee, Scrabble, card games, and Contact (a really fun word game the youth learned at Sierra Service Project this year).
SSP 2011: Teec Nos Pos, Arizona from July 23 - July 31, 2011
Pastor Sharon and Deb Davidson will be going with several of our youth to Sierra Service Project from July 23 through July 31. We will spend a week at Teec Nos Pos, Arizona to serve the Navajo people through home repair and building projects, and we will learn about the Navajo culture. We will be staying overnight at Flagstaff Federated Community Church on the way there, and staying at Trinity Heights UMC in Flagstaff, Arizona on the way back.
SSP participants need to be at the church with all their gear and completed paperwork by 10:30 am Saturday, July 23. Each person will need to bring about $30 for meals during our road trip. We expect to be home late in the afternoon on Sunday, July 31. Parents will be phoned with an ETA as we get closer to home.
The SSP Prep Meeting was held on Saturday,
March 19 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm.
We saw pictures from previous SSP trips, reviewed the
rules and what SSP will be like, talked about what to bring, what not to bring,
etc., went over plans for the trip, made and ate
Indian Fry Bread Tacos, chased sheep, petted the pig, played pool, and generally
had fun.
A Spaghetti Feast was held on Sunday, February 27. Thanks to all who came, enjoyed delicious spaghetti, and generously contributed to our cause! We raised $386 to help pay for our SSP mission trip to the Navajo Nation in Northeastern Arizona. Thank you for your support!
Pastor Ron graciously agreed to have his hair involved in a fundraising event! Flamingo flocking and other fundraising will cover the remaining costs of the trip.
Sierra Service Project is open to youth that will be going into / leaving High School. Contact Deb for more details. Youth from our church have gone on Sierra Service Project mission trips for over ten years. Read a great article in a Crescent City newspaper that describes some youth and young adult experiences. For more information about Sierra Service Project opportunities for youth, visit their website.
All-Church Picnic Pictures
The picnic at Yucaipa Community Park on June 26 was a lot of fun with delicious food, singing, and great conversations.
Everyone had a great time at the Shake It Up Cafe!
Read the Shake It Up Daily Special! ==>> Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Come to learn about Give Ye Them to Eat from the Sanchez's, who will be here at 4:00pm on Sunday, July 24, 2011. A potluck will follow, so bring a dish to share and your own table service. Give Ye Them to Eat is a development program in Mexico that was started by Terry and Muriel Henderson. They work to provide training in nutrition, health, farming, and other ways to improve the quality of life for improverished people. Our church provides annual support for this program; come learn about all the good that's being done!
Pastor Ron's Hair Fundraiser Results
Pastor Ron wore braids in his hair for two weeks. It was a surprise how close the top three were! Thanks to all who voted, and special thanks to Pastor Ron and Joan for their good-hearted generosity and for all they do for us.
These individuals received AED Training and are CPR/AED certified:
Deborah Davidson, Denise Hinckley, Mike Hinckley, Robert
Forte, Paul Kielhold, and Mike Pistilli.
Lots of kids and youth (and a few very responsible adults) got together for a fun night of relay races, marshmallow bunnies, cereal donation, pizza and Veggie tales on Friday, April 15, 2011. See some pictures of the fun, and plan to round up some children to bring to the next Parent's Night Out!
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Dear Friends,
Thank you for your prayers during this Lenten season. We were blessed to know that many of you used the "Give Ye Them To Eat" program Lenten Calendar in your own devotions and/or that of your congregation. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for the community-based, primary health workers, trained by the GYTTE staff. Just as in these days of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday we reflect on the great sacrifice God made for our sake, and thus brings us to our knees, may Easter fill us with joy that lifts us to our feet and moves us to song and rejoicing in the Risen Christ who assures us of the eternal embrace that awaits us.
In Faith, Terry & Muriel Henderson
Terry and Muriel Henderson on Palm Sunday in Amberg, Germany,
where we will spend Easter with our cousins, Martin and Jan Miller.
Pictures from Imagine No Malaria
The youth had a great time at the Imagine No Malaria Overnight Fundraiser in spite of the unexpected watering they got when the sprinklers went off... but they quickly regrouped in a drier location and finished out the night. Their fundraiser has raised over $700 so far, and more donations are still coming in. Thanks to all those that helped to save lives! You can learn more about Imagine No Malaria by clicking here.
| Date & Time | 4:00 pm | 5:00 pm |
| March 13 | "The Gift" and Bless You Bag donations and assembly | Soup and Bread dinner hosted by Susanna Wesley Circle. Donations go to Apportionments. |
| March 20 | EPIC Youth - The Feast of Purim | Traditional Feast of Purim dinner provided by EPIC Youth. Donations go to "Imagine No Malaria." |
| March 27 | Grace and Hope Lenten Dramas | Dinner provided by Koinonia Class. Donations go to Scholarships. |
| April 3 | Worship with Music, Prayer and Testimonies, led by June Fisher and Wes Harty. | Dinner provided by Mick and Sally Gibson. Donations go to Frazee Outreach. |
| April 10 | "In Seven Words" and puppet theater drama. | Lasagna dinner provided by the Worship Committee. Donations go to Apportionments. |
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April 17 |
Choir Cantata in the Sanctuary. | No dinner scheduled. |
April 17 - Palm Sunday - Sunday School Children will recite memory verse during worship, and go with Pastor Sharon to McDonald's for lunch following Sunday School.
April 21 - Maundy Thursday Communion and Foot/Hand Washing Service in Fellowship Hall at 7:00 pm
April 22 - Good Friday - "The Seven Last Words" Ecumenical Service at Noon at Green Valley Christian Church at Date and Bryant St.; Pastor Sharon will be speaking along with other ministers from our community.
April 24 - Easter Sunday - April 24
Worship Services at 9:00 am and 11:00 am
Easter Egg Hunt at 10:00 am between services for the children
Continental Potluck Breakfast at 10:00 am in Fellowship Hall. Bring a breakfast
finger food to share!
No Sunday School on Easter. Confirmation Class members will be confirmed
during worship; baptism also.
Bring a flower from your garden to decorate the outdoor Easter Cross!
Many people came and enjoyed a Mardi Gras celebration on Fat Tuesday, with delicious food and fun..
To the 30 people that were able to donate at the Blood Drive on Feb 13:
To the rest of you, please try next time! There were several people that didn't think they would be able to donate because of medications or prior illnesses, but they were able to donate thanks to improved screening procedures. Also, students ages 15-16 need to bring a copy of their birth certificate along with a signed parent consent form. Ages 17 and higher can donate with an ID that contains their birthdate (CA Drivers License or ID), and there is no upper age limit. Please be on the lookout for our next Blood Drive and join us in saving lives!
Five flamingos made a special appearance to wish Lori Moore a Happy Birthday. Regular flocking season will begin in late April, so start thinking about who you might like to flock this year! Flocking sends joy to others and helps send our kids to summer camp and Sierra Service Project. For more information about flocking, click here.
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Training will be held in the Camellia Room on February 19 from 8:00am until noon. All ushers, church personnel, and anyone that is interested in being able to operate this life-saving device must attend. The machine will be located in the inner Narthex. Only those that have received the training will be allowed to use the machine, even in an emergency situation, so please attend!
February 6, 2011 is Super Bowl Sunday! Save yourself some cooking time and help save families from hunger at the same time... stop by the kitchen and purchase some soup. Soup will be provided either hot or cold, and you can eat it there or take it home to enjoy with the game. All proceeds will go to the Interfaith Community Support Center to help feed local families in need.
Parents can drop off their children (4 years old through 5th grade) from 5:30pm until 8:00 pm on Friday, February 4th in the Fellowship Hall of the United Methodist Church of Yucaipa. This gives children an evening of fun, and give parents a few precious free hours while their children enjoy well-supervised games, crafts, pizza, and a Veggie Tales movie.
Several adults and the older youth will be supervising the children. The cost is $5.00 per child plus a box of breakfast cereal for the Interfaith Community Support Center. Bring your children and their friends for a fun evening all around!
The youth and several adults were able to combine forces with Pastor Roy Snapp-Kolas' Inglewood church to prepare a hot meal that was taken to a Salvation Army center on Skid Row. We worshiped with them and served a hot meal, including dessert, to about 60 people. Your donations of clean socks, underwear, and toiletries were distributed to those in need. The homeless are always so very grateful for your help. It was a powerful experience for all those that participated.
The youth prepared and brought dinner to the firefighters at
the Bryant Street Station on Sunday, November 21, 2010.
The menu included ham, cheesy potato casserole, green beans with almonds, rolls,
and brownies with ice cream for dessert.
A generous donor provided a delicious turkey dinner from the
Kopper Kettle Kafe for the congregation of the United Methodist Church of Yucaipa
at 11:30am on Sunday, November 21, 2010. A program on stewardship was presented
with the dinner, including readings, music, and stories of how God provides
for his faithful people.
2 Corinthians 9:6-9 says, "The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, ‘He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever.’ "
Following After Trio
May we each trust in God's continued abundance and generously share the gifts he has given to us.
Join us on Sundays for Gathering at 8:45am, Worship at 9:00am to prepare for Christmas!
| Sunday, Dec 5 |
1:00pm - Open House at Pastor Sharon Snapp-Kolas home |
| Sunday, Dec 12 |
10:00am - Hope Sunday Celebration after Worship in the
Fellowship Hall |
| Sunday, Dec 19 | 4:00pm - Round the Table Carol Sing and Children's Christmas Program |
| Friday, Dec 24 | 7:00pm - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service |
The United Methodist Church would like to extend warm and hearty thanks to the many people that contributed to the Make A Difference Weekend Food Drive on Oct 22-24, 2010. The outpouring of generosity from our community made it possible to deliver a very large SUV packed with food to the Interfaith Community Support Center in Yucaipa. These donations of food can mean the difference between a child going to school hungry, or starting their day with a satisfying nutritious meal. May God bless those that share their gifts.
The Annual Fall Barbecue and Talent Auction was a great success!! Thanks to all who participated in providing a delicious barbecued chicken dinner, and to those who came to enjoy the bounty. The Talent Auction was also a great success! Special thanks goes to Susan Wamsley, Sarah VanTassel, and Alan VanTassel for organizing the auction. This evening provided a tasty and fun way to contribute $2,355.75 to our church budget.
Several children came out for an evening of fun while their parents took a little time off! They brought cereal for Yucaipa Interfaith Community Support Center, ate pizza for dinner, and had fun with games, crafts, and the Veggie Tales movie, "It's a Meaningful Life."
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Mark your calendar now to save
the date!
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What: |
A good, old-fashioned Methodist picnic potluck dinner. Cold drinks and dessert will be provided; bring a dish to share. |
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Why: |
To welcome Pastor Sharon and her family to the United Methodist Church of Yucaipa | |
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When: |
Sunday afternoon, |
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Where: |
Outside the Fellowship Hall in the Courtyard area; tables and chairs provided | |
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Who: |
Anyone and everyone who would like to welcome Pastor Sharon | |
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How: |
With joy, hospitality, grace, love and a hearty appetite! | |
On Sunday, July 1, we will welcome our new pastor, Rev. Sharon Snapp-Kolas. Pastor Sharon earned her Masters in Divinity at the Claremont School of Theology, and has been proclaiming the Good News in Southern California for over 25 years. She and her husband Roy, who is also an ordained minister, have provided spiritual and tangible services for the poor, homeless, and those in recovery from substance abuse through their work with the Salvation Army.
Pastor Sharon has two boys, Josh (18) and Chris (16). It should be very easy to remember their names if you just remember that the order has changed from Pastor John's boys. We are looking forward to getting to know Pastor Sharon and her family as we continue our spiritual journey together.
We plan to have a welcome picnic for Pastor Sharon and the congregation a bit later in the summer.
We had a great time at Parent's Night Out!
Vacation Bible School - Galactic Blast!
The annual Vacation Bible School was held June 21-24. The theme was "Galactic Blast: A Cosmic Adventure Praising God!"
Read the daily Galactic Newsletter! See some pictures of the VBS fun below!
The Reverend John Yoon has been reassigned to Riverside First
UMC beginning July 1, 2010.
We wish them well as they follow their call in ministry whereever God leads.
Thanks to Mike Hinckley for sending these pictures from the potluck celebration:
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We will honor all of our graduates with a Potluck Luncheon on May 16 at 1:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. If you are graduating this year (from high school, college, or anything else), please call the office and make sure that we have your name on the celebration list! The church will supply the main course, drinks, and a
cake for dessert. Please bring a side dish to share with everyone. |
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Program at 4:00pm | Dinner at 5:00pm |
| February 21 | Lenten Dramas | Chili and Cornbread provided by Missions Outreach will benefit Give Ye Them To Eat |
| February 28 | The Cal Baptist Choir Ensemble will present "Joy" | Ham and Bean Soup and Bread dinner provided by Susanna Wesley Circle (vegetarian soup too!) |
| March 7 | The Youth will present the afternoon service: interactive Easter IQ | Spaghetti dinner will benefit our Youth Group programs |
| March 14 | Jean Kielhold presents: "Can Food be your
Medicine? a seminar on balanced eating |
Chicken Enchilada Dinner provided by the Koinonia Class |
| March 21 | The Sixty-Somethings present "Saints Alive!" | Nine-Patcher's Quilt Group will provide hot dogs with all the fixings (including sauerkraut) with potato salad and ice cream |
The Community Bible Study meets on Thursdays at the United Methodist Church of Yucaipa from 9:30am to 11:30am. This 30 week study of the book of Genesis runs from September 17th through May 13, 2010. Participants and leaders come from a variety of church backgrounds, and break out for small group discussions.
The substance of Genesis lies in its timeless themes: God's mighty power and greatness, his love for his creation, and his grace toward fallen mankind. Join us as we explore human dignity and purpose, mankind's rebellion and judgment, and forgiveness by means of a promised redeemer. Genesis displays God's holiness, faithfulness and patience with mankind's faith.
Click here to download the brochure and registration card or sign up online at www.yucaipacbs.org.
| Adults | The registration fee covers materials for the study. CBS meets in the sanctuary for worship and breaks into small groups across the campus. |
$25
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| Teens | There will be a core group for teens if a sufficient number enroll. |
$10
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| School Age | 1st through 8th grade will study using simplified materials in the Primary and Junior Community Bible Study class. |
$10
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Early Childhood |
Age 2 through Kindergarten have a weekly Bible story, crafts, music and games. |
$10
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| Nursery | There is nursery care for infants. Babies 12-24 months receive a short lesson each week along with play time. The maximum total registration for nursery care for your children is $20. |
$10
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April 1 is Holy Thursday. There will be a service at 7:00pm. This powerful service is a striking contrast to the glory of Easter Sunday and helps us to more fully comprehend the immense scope of Jesus' gift of love and forgiveness. Please attend!
April 2 is Good Friday. There will be a community service at Yucaipa Christian Church at noon.
April 4 is Easter Sunday! There will be a 9:00am and 11:00am Worship Service with one Easter Egg hunt for the children between services. There will be no Sunday School, but there will be a special Easter Sunday Fellowship time between services.
Bring your children to Parent's Night Out on Friday, March 5th from 5:30pm until 8:00pm. They will enjoy an evening of pizza, games, activities, and the Veggie Tales movie, “Pistacho.” In this story, young Pistachio gets involved with the wrong characters and it gets him into trouble. The tale helps children learn the importance of family and obeying their parents. They’ll have a great time, and you can enjoy some valuable free time!
The cost is only $5.00 per child plus a box of breakfast cereal for the Interfaith Community Support Center. This event is limited to children 4 years old through 5th grade. Please RSVP to Amy or Laura to reserve a place for your children. Friends are welcome! The youth will be assisting with games and other fun activities.
Join us for a series of Sunday afternoon programs that will help us prepare our hearts, minds and bodies for the celebration of the Holy week! Each afternoon program begins at 4:00pm and is followed by a dinner at 5:00pm.
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Program at 4:00pm | Dinner at 5:00pm |
| February 21 | Lenten Dramas | Chili and Cornbread provided by Missions Outreach will benefit Give Ye Them To Eat |
| February 28 | The Cal Baptist Choir Ensemble will present "Joy" | Ham and Bean Soup and Bread dinner provided by Susanna Wesley Circle (vegetarian soup too!) |
| March 7 | The Youth will present the afternoon service: interactive Easter IQ | Spaghetti dinner will benefit our Youth Group programs |
| March 14 | Jean Kielhold presents: "Can Food be your
Medicine? a seminar on balanced eating |
Chicken Enchilada Dinner provided by the Koinonia Class |
| March 21 | The Sixty-Somethings present "Saints Alive!" | Nine-Patcher's Quilt Group will provide hot dogs with all the fixings (including sauerkraut) with potato salad and ice cream |
March 28 is Palm Sunday! The Choir Cantata will be presented at the 9:00am worship service. There will be no afternoon program or dinner.
April 4 is Easter Sunday! There will be a 9:00am and 11:00am Worship Service with one Easter Egg hunt for the children between services. There will be no Sunday School, but there will be a special Easter Sunday Fellowship time between services.
The congregation met at an All-Church meeting on January 24 and discussed the option to move to one blended worship service. Surveys were also collected so that everyone had a chance to provide their input. There was overwhelming agreement that while change can sometimes be difficult, this would be the best move for our church.
We originally changed to two services because we could not fit everyone into the sanctuary at the same time, but with declining membership, we no longer have that problem, nor do we have the volunteers needed to support the technical and logistics needs of two services. Blending the music and worship styles of both services will preserve our traditional heritage while appealing to the diverse membership in our congregation. It will also be wonderful to reconnect with people who had previously attended a different service, and help us to be a more united church.
Administrative Council met on January 25th, and unanimously voted to move to one worship service starting on the first Sunday of February. The Worship Service will run from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., and Sunday School will be from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with a coffee fellowship time between.
| Sunday, December 6 at 4:00pm |
Chancel Choir presents "I'll Be Home For Christmas". Refreshments will be served after the performance. |
| Sunday, December 13 at 4:00pm | Christmas Caroling to our homebound members. Refreshments will follow after the caroling. |
| Sunday, December 20 at 4:00pm | Round the Table Carol Sing and Children's Presentation of "A Very Opinionated Christmas Tree" |
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Thursday, December 24 6:30pm - Family Service |
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services |
Parent's Night Out on Friday, December 4th was a lot of fun for everyone, and provided a nice boost to the cereal stores for the Community Foodbank. We plan to do this again! Here are some pictures from the event:
All members should attend the annual charge conference to discuss the business of our church.
Join us for a potluck at 5:00pm. SPRC will meet with Rev. Bau Dang at 5:30pm, and the meeting will start directly after they are finished (at or before 6;00pm).
Sunday, Oct 18th - Firefighter's Dinner
The youth enjoyed spending time with the firefighters at Yucaipa Station 13
on Sunday, October 18. They made and served a dinner of barbecued chicken, mashed
potatoes with garlic and sour cream, tossed salad, green beans, and brownies
with ice cream. The firefighters were very gracious hosts and even let the kids
try out the firetruck.
Saturday, Nov 7 - District Youth Dance
Our church will be hosting the Riverside District
Youth Dance downstairs in Cremer Lounge. This is a 70's theme dance, so dust
off your platform shoes, get out your hippie clothes, and get ready for a lot
of love and peace in the air.
Sunday, November 22nd - Frazee Luncheon
The Youth will be hosting a Frazee Luncheon. Tickets will be on sale soon. This
will be a special meal where the ticket proceeds will be used to purchase Christmas
gifts for needy and homeless children at the Frazee Center in San Bernardino.
Support our youth in this annual outreach!
For the hundred-plus of you who came to the Fall Barbecue and Talent Auction on October 25th, you already know that the barbecue pork, smoky black beans, coleslaw and ice cream were delicious, and that we had a great time outbidding each other on a variety of dinners, services, gift baskets, pies, cookies and homemade bread, and other creative items.
What you don't know is that the evening raised almost $3000 for our church general budget! Thanks to all who contributed to this fun event!
Come see the beautiful things that the Quilters have made for your holiday giving! Come early for the best selection; their exquisite work will sell quickly. There are all kinds of handmade goods for purchase. The sale starts on Saturday, November 7th from 9:00am to 2:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. Remaining items will be available for sale between services on Sunday, November 8th. All proceeds will go to benefit the church general budget.
The Missions Outreach Committee will be sponsoring an Alternative
Christmas Faire on Saturday, November 21.
Stop by for lunch and look at the great ways you can make a difference in our
world with your holiday giving.
This year our SSP service will now take us back to South Central Los Angeles. While we had planned to go to Tijuana, Mexico, the site had to be postponed until next year due to reaction to the recent media exposure of drug cartel violence. While SSP is still confident that the Tijuana site is safe and well away from the problem areas, it was decided that a successful youth program could not be managed this summer in Mexico. We will try again to go serve at the Tijuana site next summer.
Past SSP trips
Last summer our trip was to serve the Wiyot Tribe on the Table Bluff Reservation, which is just south of Eureka, CA. See pictures from SSP Loleta! In 2007, we journeyed to South Central Los Angeles for a week of building: building bridges between cultures, repairing homes, and building relationships. It was a fantastic experience for all of us... see some pictures from SSP LA! Or take a look at pictures from our previous SSP trip to Arizona, or pictures from other SSP trips.
Teen Pulse is a youth organization that led the worship music 11:00am service on August 9th, and also completed a successful two week summer session at the United Methodist Church of Yucaipa. The organization was started in January 2009 by Lisa Kooyman, a recent graduate of the University of Redlands, and Melissa McDannell, a recent graduate of Yucaipa High School.
The mission of Teen Pulse is to help youth from ages 8 through 18 to make a positive impact on the community. Team Pulse incorporates the disciplines of drumline, guard, and stomp in a variety of creative ways, including praise band, basketball, photography, dance and marching. Their vision is to stretch the talents of youth as they experience the importance of teamwork. The current focus of Team Pulse is to serve the community through outreach projects. They are also in need of more drum / percussion equipment if you are able to make a donation (equipment or cash would be gratefully accepted). Contact Linda in the office for more information.
On Sunday, October 11, some selfless and giving members of our congregation joined together to share in poluck dinner and make Bless You Bags. Some of these bags were taken for distribution to homeless and needy people, and others are in the Narthex so that you can take one or two. Keep them in your car, and when you see someone in need of a helping handout, give them a Bless You Bag. It will bless both of you, and spread love the way Christ taught us.
Thanks to all those who participated, donated items, and handed out bags to needy people! You have made a difference and passed on the love of Christ.
"Bless You Bags" Information
We want to continue to make ad distribute "Bless You Bags." These are gallon-sized ziplock bag that contains variety of small non-perishable food and other small personal care items that would be a blessing to a homeless person. We will be making, and then taking these bags with us. Keep one or more in your car, and when you see someone that is homeless or needs a helping handout, you can give them the bag as a two-way blessing (it's a greater blessing to be able to give than it is to receive).
These are the type of items we are asking you to donate for the bags: tissues, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, antibacterial gel, adult tube socks, hand lotion, deodorant, any small, fully cooked canned goods with a pull-tab lid, such as Vienna Sausages, fruit, or canned beans, dried fruit, peanut butter or cheese crackers, plastic tableware, napkins, bottled water, juice boxes, beef jerky, etc.
We will pack these items into a gallon-sized ziplock, and then take one or two of the finished products with us. If you see a person in need who is asking for help, you can give them the "Bless You Bag" so that their day might be a little brighter.
All youth from 6th through 12th grade should plan
on attending FaithFest! This iu a 24- hour overnight District Youth event that
will be a high-energy, faith-strengthening weekend of speakers, small groups,
games, singing, worship, food, and fun.
Larry Hygh (from the Cal-Pac Office of Communications) will be sharing his energy
and ideas on how we can find our calling to serve in our community and around
the world.
Turn in your completed registration forms with a check for $20 to Riverside District Camps to Amy or the church office by September 20th. All meals, resources, and floor-space accommodations are included.
Date & Time: Saturday, Sept. 26 2:00pm
until Sunday, Sep. 27 at 2:00pm.
Place: Riverside First United Methodist Church on
4845 Brockton Ave, Riverside, CA
Cost: $20
Don't miss the fun! Be there!
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 Camp E.D.G.E. (Experiencing and Discovering God Everywhere) was held Monday, June 29 through Thursday, July 2 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. We had a great time with Blaze, Sparx and Extreme Jean learning about God's love, singing, playing games, performing science experiments, and more! |
Read our daily newsletters to see what happened at Camp E.D.G.E.!:
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Amy Bahnson will be taking on the combined responsibilities of Youth Director and Praise Worship Leader. She brings over 20 years experience in youth ministry at Palm Springs UMC, including working for Riverside District Camps as staff and co-dean. Amy grew up in York, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Manchester College in Indiana with a B.S. in Music Education. She taught Elementary & Middle School Music at a mission school in Nigeria, West Africa for three years, and is currently a substitute teacher for Palm Springs Unified School District. She also serves as the Riverside District Children's Ministry Coordinator. She currently lives in Palm Springs with her husband of 24 years, Poul, and her two sons Peter (15) and Erik (12). |
"I am looking forward to working with the youth of the Yucaipa congregation. Together we'll explore our faith, study the scriptures, serve this congregation and community, and fellowship as we share in God's love," said Amy.
Our last All Church work day was great, but we didn't quite finish everything we wanted to. So you have another chance to come and help! We will haev teams cleaning the sanctuary, cleaning the Sunday School rooms, and doing yardwork and other things. Come down to the church Saturday, June 13 at 9:00am... we'll be finished by noon and you'll feel great about how you started your day!
On Sunday, April 26 our graduating seniors presented the worship services and shared their thoughts and insights. Afterwards we celebrated together with a potluck luncheon to honor all of our graduates. Please join us in congratulating them and celebrating their accomplishments!
2009 High School Graduates:
Allison Kielhold
Glenda McDannell
Melissa McDannell
Kristin Koehler
Kim Pistilli
Casey Garrison
Tarra Trafzer
2009 College Graduates:
Jessica Moore
Karyn Moore
Robin Bannister
Holly Harward
David Wahe
The Soup and Bread Potluck is always favorite annual Lenten dinner. This year we added a special event: the Cornbread Cookoff Contest. Eight cornbread entries were submitted for the contest, and we also accepted bids for the three Judge positions. The winning high bids were from Pastor John Yoon, Tracey Brown and David Moore. They had a very difficult time judging and ended up breaking it up into three categories: Traditional, Dessert, and Savory. A total of $255 was raised for Missions Projects.
The Winners and their recipes!
| Traditional Winner: Jill Joiner | Dessert Winner: Lori Moore | Savory Winner: Susan Shotts |
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| Traditional Cornbread Recipe | Pineapple Cornbread Recipe | Savory Cornbread Recipe |
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And even though they didn't win, some kudos are due to RJ Lynn and Glen Gray for making and entering a traditional family cornbread recipe! Enjoy the history behind their Littleton Spider Corn Cake recipe. |
And if that's not enough, enjoy the recipe for Susan's Seasoned Oyster Crackers. Great with soup, or even just a snack.
Go to www.30hourfamine.org for more information about this effort.
Our July 5-13, 2008 trip was to serve the Wiyot Tribe on the Table Bluff Reservation, which is just south of Eureka, CA. See pictures from SSP Loleta! In 2007, we journeyed to South Central Los Angeles for a week of building: building bridges between cultures, repairing homes, and building relationships. It was a fantastic experience for all of us... see some pictures from SSP LA! Or take a look at pictures from our previous SSP trip to Arizona, or pictures from other SSP trips.
| Nov 30 - 1st Sunday of Advent |
Celebrate Hope |
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| Dec 7 - 2nd Sunday of Advent | Celebrate Peace 8:30am - Traditional Worship 11:00am - Praise Worship |
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| Dec 14 - 3rd Sunday of Advent | Celebrate Joy 8:30am - Traditional Worship 11:00am - Praise Worship |
4:00pm - Children's Program and Choir Concert |
| Dec 21 - 4th Sunday of Advent | Celebrate Love 8:30am - Traditional Worship 11:00am - Praise Worship |
4:00pm - All Church Caroling to the home bound |
| Christmas Eve Service | 6:30pm - Family Praise Worship Service | 8:30pm Traditional Service |
It's still not too late to let your Christmas gift giving say something about what you believe this year, and make a difference! Put in an order to get personalized alternative giving certificates for many excellent organizations that make a positive difference in our world, such as Habitat for Humanity, Heifer International, World Vision, Give Ye Them To Eat, Sierra Service Project, our local Yucaipa Family Assistance and Interfaith Community Support Center, David and Margaret Home, and more. Pick up an Alternative Giving Order Form today! Child profiles are also available for children that need sponsorship through World Vision. This makes a wonderful gift for a child or grandchild.
A November 2008 update from Terry and Muriel:
November 2008
Dear Friends:
God is awesome and the friends of the ”Give Ye Them To Eat” program are amazing! You and so many others made a tremendous effort this past summer and early fall to ensure that the GYTTE staff and missionaries continue to serve the rural poor of south-central Mexico by offering development opportunities that change lives and communities. We praise God for your invaluable help! Thank you!!! The extra donations that came in for this mission project made it possible for us to host numerous training events for villagers wanting to learn agriculture and community development skills and technologies as well as learn about health issues and Christian education.
Everyday, people are returning home to Mexico due to the economic crisis in the United States. Even though the employment and economic situation is even worse here in Mexico, coming home is the only thing they can do when they no longer have jobs in the USA.
For those returning to the rural areas as well as those who already reside here, the GYTTE program offers development alternatives so they can progress towards improving their agriculture, diet, health and life in general, right where they are, with what they have available to them. Learning new skills and gaining new insights into low-tech methods of addressing agricultural and community needs regarding soil conservation, agricultural production and food security, pumping systems as well as safe and environmentally-sound cook stoves, sanitation directives and home construction can change a subsistence-level way of living into a healthy, fulfilled life in their own culture and country.
Thank you for your contribution that makes this vital ministry possible. We hope you can continue your support as partners in this mission outreach program and we invite you to visit our web site, www.gytte.org, to read mission stories and articles about those involved with the GYTTE program.
In His service and yours,
Terry and Muriel Henderson
Times are tough! Because of that, funding for the Give Ye Them To Eat program has declined by 90%. Surplus funds and money from the sale of livestock have kept this outreach program alive over the last few months so the GYTTE staff could continue to serve the rural poor of south-central Mexico, but those funds are now depleted. Your help is needed immediately!
Of the six program areas, the Livestock Distribution program has closed. For the time being, the other five areas have continued: Church and Faith Development, Community Development, Agricultural Development, Community and Family Health -More Than A Bandage, and the AWARE program. But due to the drastic decrease in donations these programs are being downsized and are in imminent peril. There is a saying in Mexico: When the USA catches a cold, Mexico catches pneumonia! It is true. Prices have gone up south of the border too, but people earn a lot less in Mexico and they have even less financial buffer.
Come to hear Jaime Jorge's exquisite violin performance of hymns and his powerful testimony at a single combined service at 10:00 am on Sunday,. October 26th. Jaime will be selling CDs and other recordings in the Fellowship Hall following the service.
Chicken Parmigiana Dinner will be served at 5:00pm, with a Talent Auction following at 6:00pm. All proceeds go to the church's General Fund to pay our everyday operating expenses. Buy your tickets today!
Sunday, September 7 was a taste of El Salvador - literally. Those who bought El Salvador Stock to help finance Karyn's spring mission trip to El Salavdor were treated to pupusas, curtido, black beans, rice, and a wonderful slide presentation of Karyn's trip.
Thanks to all those who helped by purchasing stock, but special thanks to Karyn for living her faith in such an tangible way. You are an inspiration!
Over 20 delicious pies were donated for auction to raise funds for Give Ye Them To Eat, a wonderful program in Mexico that helps develop local spiritual, economic, health, and living conditions in rural Mexico. This event was the culmination of an open Administrative Council meeting, followed by a potluck dinner and homemade ice cream. The pies were a delicious array of apple, cherry, pecan, pumpkin, rhubarb, pineapple chiffon, peach, and also included donations from the Kopper Kettle Kafe of their yummy mixed berry and signature buttermilk pie. Thanks to Terry Henson for providing his unique auctioneer talents and helping us raise over $800 for Give Ye Them to Eat! It was a fun and successful evening, and we sincerly thank those who baked, bid, bought, and joined in the fun.
We have many people in our congration that deserve applause for their scholastic accomplishments!
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Justin Flores - Graduate of Yucaipa High School |
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Chris Yoon - Graduate of Yucaipa High School. Chris will be attending the University of California at Los Angeles this fall. He plans to major in Biochemistry, and would like to work in a medical field. |
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Amanda Shotts - Graduate of William Jessup University with a B.A. Degree double major in Bible and Theology, and also Youth Ministries. Amanda is currently working full time for the City of Yucaipa as the 7th Street Pool Manager, and is also taking classes at Valley College. |
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Lisa Ewan - Graduated from Loma Linda University with an Associate of Science Degree in Physical Therapy. Lisa will be doing internships with Arrowhead Orthopaedics in Redlands, and then with Manor Care in Hemet, forcusing on geriatrics. |
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John M. Cheetham - Graduated with a B.A. Degree cum laude from California State University, San Bernardino with extramural honors from Phi Kappa Phi and Golden Key. His major was in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. John’s goal is to attend dental school in the near future, but he will return to Maui while awaiting his opportunity to apply in the Fall. |
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Stacey Crooks - Graduated from San Bernardino Valley College with an Associate of Science Degree in Psychology. Stacey plans to go into counseling. |
Congratulations to each one of you on your accomplishments, and best wishes for your future! We're proud of you!
August 1, 2008 United Methodist
Church of Yucaipa
August 8, 2008 Yucaipa Christian Church
August 15, 2008 Church on the Hill
August 22, 2008 The Well Church At Oak Valley
August 29, 2008 Pure Rock
September 5, 2008 Oak Valley Family Church
September 12, 2008 New Harvest Yucaipa
September 19, 2008 Set Free
September 26, 2008 Shiloh Messianic Church
Holiday gifts of love are regularly delivered to the girls at Tarr Cottage, and they all send their resounding thanks! It makes such a difference to them to get a special treat and know that someone cares and thinks of them. Thank you for showing your love and praying for them!
Our church has adopted Tarr Cottage at the David and Margaret Home in LaVerne, California. Tarr Cottage houses 10 girls from various backgrounds, and we help to mentor them and let them know that they are loved as unique and blessed children of God. They attend school on the campus grounds.
Revolve New Testaments, Wisdom books, and devo books are periodically given to the girls. These are NCV bibles and devotional materials that are presented in readable teen magazine format (it's really, really cool!). We want to continue to make sure the girls receive these great spiritual resources.
The girls are so very grateful for everything that you do for them! It is our hope that these little attentions will add up to big understanding that each of them are worthwhile, significant individuals. Please pray for all of these girls as they struggle through the difficulties of life. If you have some ideas for helping these girls, please contact Deborah Davidson.
Read a great article about Give Ye Them To Eat that was published in New World Outlook magazine!
Our annual Bake Sale for Heifer International was held on Saturday, May 10 from 9:00am to about 1:30pm at the Stater Brothers Market at Oak Glen Road and Bryant Street. Many delicious homemade baked goods were sold, raising $700 for Heifer International! Thanks to all who baked, bought, and helped. Special thanks to Stater Brothers Market for all they do to give back to our community!
We will be hosting an Alternative Christmas Faire on November 15-16. This will include many Alternative Giving Options, including World Vision Child Sponsorship, African Team Ministries crafts and jewelry, livestock donations through Heifer International, and certificates of giving to Ronald McDonald House, Habitat for Humanity, the David and Margaret Home, and many other excellent non-profit organizations that work to make our world a better place for all. Please plan to join us! This will be open to the community, and we will be selling delicious homemade soup and dessert to benefit World Vision. Plan to stop by for lunch and a little shopping!
Thank you for your generous clothing donations to GYTTE Shepard's Closet! The clergy will certainly appreciate the large amount of dress clothing we have sent. There were more contributions than we could send to Mexico, so the overflow was donated to the Frazee Center in San Bernardino and Redlands Family Services. The clothing will be distributed to their clientele to enable them to be appropriately attired for job interviews, work and daily life.
Cal Pac Camps has a great new website! You can now get all the camp information you need, and can even register on-line! Click here to go to the Cal Pac Camps website. Find pictures of people and places you know!
Thanks to Jean and Allison Kielhold for all their work in organizing the Methodists on the Move team that raised over $5,000 for the American Cancer Society. We came in 4th place! Yahoo! The Yucaipa Relay for Life exceeded their overall goal of $90,000, so our sincere thanks go to all who participated in this excellent event.
Special thanks to Allison Kielhold (above left) and Glenn Gray (above right), who donated their long locks to help make wigs for those who lost their own hair from cancer treatment.
We appreciate the hard work of those who walked, manned the booth, and donated funds to sponsor walkers and luminaries. Great strides are being made in cancer research, and we applaud all those that work to make a difference.
Please continue to pray for those suffering from cancer and other life-changing diseases, and for their families, medical staff, and all those in need.
Click
here to see pictures from the 30 Hour Famine
Your generosity helped our youth and several adults raise over $4300 that will help World Vision make a difference to millions of people. Thank you! Through participation in the Tribe game, we all learned a lot about hunger and what life is like in Sumatra, Java, Borneo and Madura. Our 30 Hour Fast was a combination of challenges, learning, experience, and fun. See pictures from the 30 Hour Famine at Redlands First UMC.
The Chancel Choir and the Children's Choir combined this year (2007) to present Once Upon a Miracle, a Christmas play and Cantata.
Refreshments were enjoyed after the performance.
All members are encouraged to attend the annual business meeting of our church. We will start at 6:00pm with a pot-luck dinner (after all, we Methodists have a reputation to uphold). Bring a dish to share!
At 6:30, the SPRC will meet with Rev. John Valles, our District Superintendent. The Annual Meeting will begin at 7:00pm. Please come to hear a summary of the work that has been done in the past, and what we plan for the future.
It is important that each member of our church be aware and involved!
See
some pictures of Flamingos Flocking! This fun fundraiser raised close to $3000 to send our kids to camp! Your support has sent children to the Riverside District Christian Camps and to Sierra Service Project in South Central Los Angeles..Thanks for your gracious participation in our flocking frenzy. Most of the flamingos have now migrated for the season, but will be back next spring.
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Join us for Vacation Bible School! The theme this year is Lift Off! Soaring to New Heights with God. There are classes for grades K - 5, and there will also be a class for the adults led by Pastor John. Join us Monday, June 25 through Thursday, June 28 from 6:00pm until 8:30pm. We'll learn about people in the bible, and will have songs, adventures, snacks, and crafts! And it's FREE! Just print and complete an enrollment form for each child and bring it with you, or get one when you come. We hope you can join us for the fun! |
The church family had a potluck dinner on Sunday, June 3rd at 4:00pm to help R.J. Lynn celebrate his graduation accomplishments! May God Bless the entire class of 2007!
We need everyone to come to the church and pitch in on Saturday, June 16 at 9:00am. We made a huge dent on March 17th, but there are still many things that need cleaning, repair, general maintenance, and elbow grease. No matter how old or young, we can find something you can do to help, and the more hands we have helping, the more we will accomplish. We'll even provide lunch for all the workers! Bring the whole family to join in the fun and keep our church buildings in tip-top shape. We'll provide all the supplies. If you have questions, please contact the church office.
The Missions Outreach Committee coordinated a bake sale on Saturday, May 5, 2007 where members of our congregation donated their delicious, homemade baked goods for sale to the public at Stater Brothers Market on Bryant Street at Oak Glen Road. The day was cold and windy, but in spite of the weather, we sold all our delicious offerings by 1:30pm. Most importantly, this event raised $476.00 to purchase food-producing livestock for needy familes around the world through Heifer International, and this particular donation was further doubled by a matching funds grant coupon.
Heifer Project International helps give disadvantaged families hope for a better future. Since 1944, Heifer Project has been helping hungry families with gifts of livestock and training to care for the animals and increase their numbers. In return, the first offspring is given back to the project to help another family in need, causing a positive chain reaction to help end hunger. Cows, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, and other food-producing gifts can mean the difference between life and death to many people, and the gift of ongoing self-sufficiency is so much better than any one-time gift of food. Wool for weaving, eggs, honey, fruit, milk, and fertilizer for better crops creates the difference between bare survival and an educated, positive, hope-filled future.
Since our church began raising funds for Heifer International, we have provided funds for well over 100 different animals and livestock, including goats, water buffalos, heifers, flocks of chickens, flocks of ducks and geese, rabbits, pigs, llamas, honeybees, and tree seedlings. Your donations and efforts have given hope to these families, and allowed them to pass on that hope to others in need. We appreciate your support!
The Riverside District will be sending a team to Mississipi to help rebuild and clean up from Hurrican Katrina on April 28- May 5. If you are interested in going, please talk to Pastor John. There is still a great need for people to help.
On Tuesday, February 13 at 7:00 pm, the Heartland Players Theater will be presenting The Courage To Love, a one act drama based on the Old Testament Story of Ruth. This play follows Ruth through her life’s choices and hindrances, including her first love to Mahlon the Judean, her uncommon loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and her subsequent God ordained marriage to Boaz of Bethlehem. This play is an enduring tale of friendship, duty, spiritual growth and love.
There is no cost to attend, but an optional love offering will be taken.
On February 24-25, many youth and several adult counselors will be getting a little taste of hunger. The purpose is two-fold: to get a better personal understanding of what hunger is really like, and to raise money to help World Vision fight hunger and related diseases around the world. Discussions, games, prayer and bible study will help to educate the group in world-hunger issues and examine how God wants us to respond to the needs of our brothers and sisters around the world.
Please sponsor these participants with a generous heart!
For us, the 30 hours of fasting will end with communion and a meal. But for others, the famine will continue, with little hope of a happy ending. But it's never too late to donate! As little as $30 can feed a child for an entire month. World Vision doesn't just feed people, but also assists with education, clean water, farming assistance, global peacekeeping efforts and more. Please give your donation to one of the participating youth or adults, or to Tracey. You can also change the life of a child directly through World Vision Sponsorship.
Tough words... but what are you doing to help the less fortunate? Even the poorest in the United States are rich by global standards. Most of the world tries to live on less the $2 a day, while many of us often spend money on things we don't really need. As Christians, we are compelled to care for the less fortunate, because it's what Christ asked us to do. Even if our budgets seem tight, most of us can find a way to come up with an extra $30 a month to show Christ's love to a child.
Give your heart back to God this Christmas as you give to others. Click here to see our World Vision children that need sponsors!
The Evangelism Committee is helping to organize group dinners, where hosts will get together a group of people to break bread and socialize. We all know how much we love to get together and eat, and this is a great way to get to know people that have common interests. There are really no specific rules... if you'd like to be a host, just think of a group of 6 to 8 people you'd like to invite that will enjoy each other's company, and plan a dinner. You can cook it yourself, order pizza, have a potluck, meet at a restaurant... whatever you like. The groups will be meeting once a month from September through December. In January, we'll all meet together and share our experiences.
If you'd like more information, would like to join a group, or start your own, you can email Sarah Moran for more information.
Our 11:00am Sunday Praise Worship Service has been slowly evolving into a more contemporary worship experience. Ronald Bonneau, our worship leader, plays guitar and piano, sings, and leads the worship music. Richie Koepsel plays the bass guitar, Matt Booth plays drums, and Lori Moore and Deb Davidson both add vocals.
We hope that you will come and bring a friend to share the blessing of the music and the message, and that you will be touched by the Spirit of God as we worship and praise Him together.
Terry and Muriel Henderson are missionaries in Mexico that we help to sponsor. Please visit the Give Ye Them to Eat web page for updates the wonderful work that is happening in Puebla and at the Tree of Life Training Center in Tlancualpican.
They have put together a cookbook of authentic recipes from the Tree of Life Training Center. You can purchase one for $20, and all the profits will go to support the great work boing done at Give Ye Them to Eat.
The youth will be holding a dinner to raise funds to buy Christmas gifts for the Frazee Christmas party. This annual event allows our youth to provide a Christmas gift for so many needy children who would otherwise go without. Please come and help support our youth. This outreach will not only help spread joy to children, but it helps our own children to develop a strong spirit of giving and caring for the disadvantaged in our community.
Join us for a delicious breakfast of pancakes with all the trimmings on Sunday, September 3 and Sunday, October 1 anytime between 9:00am ~ 11:00am! There is no specific cost, just make a donation in the basket at the door. All the proceeds will go toward supporting our many Youth Group activities. Yum!
The church will be making a new picture directory! You can sign up to have a portrait made of you and your family by a professional photographer. While you can purchase these photos if you like, there is no obligation and you can have a free 8x10 just for getting your picture taken. Even if you don't plan to purchase portraits, we really want to include you in the directory! It's a great way for you to connect names to the faces in our church family, and for other people to know who you are. Our existing directory is from 2003 and there have been many changes, so we really want to make this new one as complete as possible.
You can sign up for a sitting appointment on September 10th or 17th between services.
The photography dates are September 26, 27, 28, 29, & 30. Please mark your calendar and sign up for a time slot on one of these dates to have your picture taken. We want to see your smiling face!
The All Church Rummage Sale that the United Methodist Women are holding has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 7. This is always a fun event... you'll find fabulous deals on wonderful treasures that you just won't find in the stores. In addition to the great deals, there will be food, fun and other great things to do. Plan to come and spend part of your Saturday!
If you have items to donate, please hold onto them until shortly before the sale. If you don't have space, you can bring them in now and try and find room on the stage in the Fellowship Hall, but space is limited, so please hang on to your donations until it is closer to the event if possible.
If you'd like to volunteer to help organize and prepare for this event, please contact Joanne Stout.
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Sierra Service Project 2006 Trip July 16-22, 2006 Serving Paiute Tribes near Big Pine, CA |
If you want to write or send a care package to our group at Big Pine, California, we'll be there from July 16-22, 2006. Send mail to:
< Camper Name >
Sierra Service Project
General Delivery
Big Pine CA 93513
The emergency contact number is (760) 938-2656. Real emergencies only! You can NOT call to talk to campers.
SSP has a new No Junk Food policy! Healthy snacks will be provided for campers each afternoon. All food sent will become part of the community snack pool. Suggestions for care packages are granola bars, jerky, mixed nuts, cheese and crackers, or other healthy snacks. You can also send fun things, like games, playing cards, hackey sack, yo-yos, frisbees, disposable cameras, or arts and craft kits.
SSP is open to youth entering the 9th grade through those that have just finished high school. It is an incredible, life-changing experience that you will never regret. Talk to Tracey or Deb if you're interested in coming with us July 16-22, 2006 to work on a reservation in Big Pine, California! This year we're planning on taking eight youth and two adult counselors to a Paiute reservation to repair Native American homes (we usually do roofing, painting, flooring, and build porches, stairs, and wheelchair ramps).
In 2005, a group of 9 people headed for beautiful Lukachukai, Arizona, which is northeast of Canyon de Chelly. We stopped overnight at Trinity UMC in Flagstaff on the way there and back, and they were wonderful hosts! We also stopped at Window Rock and Winslow Meteor Crater on the way back.
We stayed at the Lukachukai Community School, a K-8 boarding school with other groups from Kansas, South Carolina, Arizona and California. Our work sites were in three different communities: Lukachukai, Round Rock and Wheatfields. We did lots of roofing, as well as painting, drywall, insulation, and other construction work. We visited Canyon de Chelley on our Wednesday trip, a stunningly gorgeous place with a unique history.
In 2004, several of our youth went to Duck Valley, Nevada, which is near the Idaho border from Saturday, July 31 through Sunday, August 8. SSP is all about building: building homes, building communities, building bridges between people and cultures, and building a relationship with God. There were about 60 youth, counselors and staff there from various locations, and it was an absolutely wonderful trip!
Click here to see pictures from our 2005 Arizona SSP trip.
Click here to see pictures from previous SSP trips.
Monday, June 26 through Thursday, June 28, young archaeologists had fun finding treasure in God's Word. We discovered that God Loves Us, God Knows Us, God Forgives Us, and God is Always With Us. We sang songs, played games, made snacks, and learned about the treasure in the bible.
We brought in our coins and dollars for Heifer International, and collected over $100 that will purchase livestock for hungry families. This is enough money to give five families flocks of chickens, or ducks and geese. The eggs will provide a good source of protein to help nourish children, and the extra eggs can be sold to provide money for eduction and hope for the future.
Carole Jones has family that lives and works year-round at Campus by the Sea on Catalina Island. This is a Christian Family Camp, and this year their theme is Find Us Faithful. You can come as an individual or a family, or anything inbetween. Read through their brochure information, or email Campus By The Sea for more information.
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Our search for a worship leader for our Sunday 11:00am Praise and Worship Service has culminated in the enthusiastic presence of Mr. Ronald L. Bonneau, II. Please introduce yourself and welcome him! We are so very blessed by his energy, his many musical talents, and his JOY in the Lord! Please come to the 11:00 service and see what's going on! You will be blessed by the music and touched by Spirit of God as we worship and praise Him together. Ronald has been involved with worship music since he was ten years old, and has led worship music at Calvary Chapel in Redlands. He graduated from Calvary Chapel High School and is currently attending Crafton Hills College. Ronald sings, and plays guitar, piano, and several other instruments, and it is truly a joy to sing and worship with him! The Praise Worship Team is also blessed by Richie Koepsel on bass guitar and Matt Booth on drums. We thank them all for sharing their gifts and talents by faithfully praising God in music with us. God is good.. all the time! |
Terry and Muriel Henderson are missionaries in Mexico that we help to sponsor. Please visit the Give Ye Them to Eat web page for updates the wonderful work that is happening in Puebla and at the Tree of Life Training Center in Tlancualpican.
February 2006
Dear Family and Friends:
We are writing to you from the Tree of Life Training Center in Tlancualpican, Mexico. Muriel has returned to Mexico to work alongside Terry in the ministry of the Give Ye Them To Eat program. This is an exciting time after dealing with breast cancer for twelve months with Muriel living in Arizona for ten of those months while under treatment for the disease. In mid-January 2006 she was given medical clearance and returned to her mission assignment with her first workday being February 1, 2006.
In 2005 we did not know if the diagnosis for breast cancer with its subsequent surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation would allow us to return to our beloved Mexico or if these medical procedures were just a temporary fix on a trip to heaven. The truth is that 2005, like the rest of our life, was a process of moving toward eternity. The beauty of it is traveling with the Lord on one's life journey We have read and quoted Jeremiah 29:11 many times, "For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope." We trust that God knows best what we need to experience for our spiritual growth and faith. After all, our life here is temporary as we prepare for eternity.
The year 2005 will always be very special to us as a time like no other. We were surrounded with God's love, grace and care as expressed through the actions, words, messages, cards, gifts and prayers of God's faithful servants, our brothers and sisters in Christ, in Mexico and the United State. How fortunate and blessed we are. Thank you for your kindnesses. In closing we paraphrase Philemon, verses 4:7 "As we pray for you, we thank God for your lives and witness. We know of the love and faith you have for Jesus, which brims over to other Christians. Our prayer is that this faith we hold in common will be evident in all the good things we do, and that people recognize Christ in all of it. Friends, you have no idea how good your love has made us feel."
Your servants and His,
Muriel and Terry Henderson
On Saturday, May 13, 2006, we held a Bake Sale to raise funds for Heifer International at the Stater Brothers Market at Oak Glen and Bryant Streets. Thanks to the delectable cookies, cakes, pies, breads, and jam that was skillfully concocted by our church family, and especially to the support of our community in purchasing everything we had to offer, we raised $737.05. Every penny will go to Heifer International to purchase livestock for families in need and to help eliminate hunger in our world.
Heifer Project International helps give disadvantaged families hope for a better future. Since 1944, Heifer Project has been helping hungry families with gifts of livestock and training to care for the animals and increase their numbers. In return, the first offspring is given back to the project to help another family in need, causing a positive chain reaction to help end hunger. Cows, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, and other food-producing gifts can mean the difference between life and death to many people, and the gift of ongoing self-sufficiency is so much better than any one-time gift of food. Wool for weaving, eggs, honey, fruit, milk, and fertilizer for better crops creates the difference between bare survival and an educated, positive, hope-filled future. Visit the Heifer International website at www.heifer.org.
We would especially like to thank Stater Brothers Market for all they do to support our community. It's nice to have a grocer that is concerned about the welfare of people in our community and around the globe. We especially appreciate their allowing us to spread the good work that Heifer International is doing with so many of the shoppers in our community.
Come join us for a barbecue potluck dinner and praise service to celebrate Pentecost on Sunday, June 4, 2006 at 5:00pm. A potluck dinner featuring many kinds of barbecue, salads and fresh fruit will kick off our celebration at 5:00pm, followed by an interactive praise worship service at 6:00pm. Ronald Bonneau, our new Praise and Worship Leader, is bringing several guest musicians for this event, and you won't want to miss this powerful musical experience!
Come and join us for food, fellowship, and a contemporary worship experience as we celebrate the birth of the church!
The flame in the United Methodist
Cross symbol represents the Holy Spirit of God.
Spaghetti Dinner & Pie Auction for SSP 2006
Thanks to all who contributed to the Spaghetti Dinner and Pie Auction on Sunday evening, February 12, 2006. The spaghetti sauce and meatballs had been simmering slowly all day, so the savory smells had our stomachs rumbling long before the first plates of spaghetti, salad and bread came out of the kitchen. But the crown of the evening was the table that held more than 30 beautiful, tempting pies that were contributed by the bakers in our congregation.
We'd like to pass on our heartfelt thanks to all of the kitchen help, servers, bakers, clean-up crew, dinner attendees, pie buyers, those who bought and sold (Lori Moore) fund-raiser items, and especially to Terry Henson, our very entertaining auctioneer. With all combined, the evening raised $1621.57, and has put us well over half-way to meeting the financial commitments for our Sierra Service Project youth mission trip this summer.
One particularly nice Pecan Pie was purchased by Susan Shotts for $65 after a heated bidding war. But since Susan had already gotten the high bid on a few other lovely pies, she graciously donated it back onto the auction block, giving Linda Ewan a second chance. The bidding was again enthusiastic, and Linda finally got her pie for $71, giving Carol Michaelson's Pecan Pie the honor of the highest moneymaking pie at $136 in total. Susan, Terry, and Linda (left to right) are shown displaying the fabulous pie above.
But all the pies alone, including Jack Baker's famous apple pie, some BJ Streeby pies, Susan Wamsley's artistry, Joan Faux's culinary delights, and more (our congregation really knows how to bake!), raised almost $1000. Who knew you loved pie so much? But in truth, we know that you love our youth even more, and are faithful in supporting the wonderful work that Sierra Service Project accomplishes, both on the reservation and in the hearts and minds of our youth. Thanks so much for all your support and enthusiasm!
On February 25-26, about 20 youth from Yucaipa and Redlands, along with several adult counselors, participated in World Vision's 30 Hour Famine. The purpose was two-fold: to raise money to assist World Vision's efforts to ease hunger around the world, and to raise awareness of how debilitating hunger can be through personal experience.
The youth played the World Vision Tribe game throughout the weekend. The kids were were randomly assigned into four different Masaai tribes, and were each given the identity of a real person. Some had disabilities, such as hunger, chicken pox, a broken leg, or Aids. They then competed in games where the winner got cards that simulated food and water, shelter, education, and other things necessary for survival. Discussions, prayer and bible study helped to educate us about what life is like for others around the world, especially in third world countries, and how God wants us to respond to the needs of all the world.
For us, the 30 hours of fasting were ended with Pastor John giving us communion. We then had a wonderful feast of baked potatoes with all the toppings, salad, garlic bread, and cake. But for others, the famine continues, and there is no hope of a happy ending. It's not too late to donate! As little as $30 can feed a child for an entire month. World Vision doesn't just feed people, but also assists with education, clean water, farming assistance, global peacekeeping efforts and more. Please give your donation to Tracey, or change the life of a child directly through World Vision Sponsorship.
See lots more pictures from the 30 Hour Famine!
Holiday gifts of love are delivered to the girls at Tarr Cottage, and they all send their resounding thanks! It makes such a difference to them to get a special treat and know that someone cares and thinks of them. Thank you for showing your love and praying for them!
Our church has adopted Tarr Cottage at the David and Margaret Home in LaVerne, California. Tarr Cottage houses 10 girls from various backgrounds, and we help to mentor them and let them know that they are loved as unique and blessed children of God. They attend school on the campus grounds.
Revolve New Testaments, Wisdom books, and devo books are periodically given to the girls. These are NCV bibles and devotional materials that are presented in readable teen magazine format (it's really, really cool!). We want to continue to make sure the girls receive these great spiritual resources.
We visited the girls at on Saturday, October 8, 2005 to bring them a donated sewing machine (big thanks to Ann Wilson!), and some sewing supplies. We helped them make some throw pillows for the cottage (sunflower theme) and baked brownies. We brought some Christmas goodies to their Christmas Open House on Saturday afternoon, December 3rd, 2005. If you have some ideas for helping these girls, please contact Deborah Davidson.
Christmas 2005, we brought them Christmas goodies and baked cookies. For several years on Valentines Day we gave each girl a Gift Bag containing valentines, candy, and little gifts-- they are always big hit. Thanks to all those who took the time to give a little something, especially the children. At Easter, we bring Easter Basket Gift Bags for each of the girls and colored eggs with them. We've also given the cottage a subscription to DevoZine, which is a youth devotional magazine. We have plans to continue making sure the girls receive these great spiritual resources, as there is a fairly high turnover rate at the cottages.
The girls are so very grateful for everything that you do for them! It is our hope that these little attentions will add up to big understanding that each of them are worthwhile, significant individuals. Please pray for all of these girls as they struggle through the difficulties of life.
The Winter Camp held in January 2006 was filled with spiritual growth and lots of fun!
See more pictures from Winter Camp 2006!
Thanks to all of our church family that supports camperships. This program helps make camp experiences possible for our youth to help them develop strong, spiritual lives.
On Sunday, May 15, we celebrated the success of several of our young people who are graduating from High School in the traditional Methodist style (a potluck dinner). Congratulations to (left to right, front row) Josh, Joe, Kristin, Jessica, Karyn, Holly and Robin! We're proud of all you have achieved, and have faith that you will go on and do great things. Never forget that God is with you, no matter where you go.
Help the children in our community learn to read! Volunteers of all ages have been helping out at Meadow Creek Elementary School. Individual and small group reading assistance can make a huge difference in helping young readers develop skills and confidence. English is a second language for an estimated 50% of our neighborhood population enrolled in elementary education, and reading is undoubtedly one of the most critical and necessary skills in every child's education. It's also one of the most fun and satisfying ways you can spend a morning or afternoon! Volunteer your skills for a few hours a week, and help get these kids off to a great start in life!
Volunteers are needed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons at 3:00pm. Please be a volunteer and help our neighborhood children develop better reading skills! You can contact Joanne Stout for more information.
The Annual Church Picnic was held on April 17 at Yucaipa Community Park, and it was great fun! Click here to see pictures.
The Missions Outreach Committee held a Bake Sale at Stater Brothers Market at Oak Glen and Bryant Streets in Yucaipa on Saturday, May 7th, 2005. Thanks to your baking skills and your generosity, we raised just over $570! With this money and other Missions Outreach funds, we purchased 2 goats, 1 water buffalo, 3 flocks of chickens, 3 trios of rabbits, 3 flocks of ducks and geese, 2 sets of tree seedlings, and 3 hives of honeybees for needy families through Heifer International.
Heifer International is a non-profit organization that helps poor families around the world become self-sufficient through gifts of food-producing livestock. They provide training to care for the animals and increase their numbers. The first offspring are given to another family, causing a positive chain reaction to end hunger. By-products such as milk, eggs, wool, and honey provide nutrition and income for the present, and hope for the future. You can read more about it at www.heifer.org.
Special thanks to all those who baked the delicious treats, those who worked to make it possible, and those who bought yummy stuff and cookbooks! Your efforts have made a world of difference for poor families around the world!
On February 26-27, 2005, youth from Yucaipa, Upland and Redlands participated in the World Vision 30 Hour Famine: not really a famine, but a 30 hour fast. We participated in series of activities called "The Tribe" that helped us learn what life in can be like for others around the world. We had a lot of fun to keep our minds off our stomachs, but we still learned how much hunger can hurt, and how simple it can be to prevent. By the end of this day, 29,000 more children will have died from hunger. But it's not too late to help save many others in need! You can sponsor a child, or make a donation to World Vision today. Make a difference, and save a child's life!
see pictures from the 30 Hour Famine
Mission Trip to Ensenada December 2004
Four youth and five adults from our congregation recently joined a group from the Upland UMC and drove to Ensenada, Mexico to help Pastor Juan and his congregation with the construction efforts on their new parsonage and social hall. The old building has been demolished, and they have salvaged everything possible to use in the new building. The new building will consist of a social hall on the first floor, and rooms for the pastor and his family on the second floor. We broke through old concrete and dug foundation holes, and cut and tied wire to make rebar supports. We had heavy rain while we were there, but managed to get everything done that was possible. We'd like to make another trip to help again in the future. If you're interested in coming with us (especially if you speak Spanish and can translate), please contact Deborah Davidson.
Click here to see more pictures from Ensenada!
It can be difficult to find just the right gift to mark a special occasion for someone you care about, especially when they already seem to have everything they could possibly need.
We have a solution! Donate to a charitable organization and help someone who is truly in need to mark the occasion! What more precious gift could you give than the knowledge that a family will be able to provide nutritious food and education to their children through the gift of a goat, a heifer, or a flock chickens through Heifer International? Or to help a struggling family toward the pride and stability of home ownership through Habitat for Humanity? Or to help lodge families struggling through devastating health problems with a donation to Ronald McDonald House? Or, you could choose to help improve the lives of many of our less fortunate neighbors in Mexico though Give Ye Them to Eat. There are many options for alternative giving... whatever your choice, you will be demonstrating Christ's love in a way that will make him proud to call you his own.
When you complete the gift order form and return it to the church with your donation, we will make a customized card, letter or certificate to give that explains your gift. This is a wonderful opportunity to live your faith!
Download
the Alternative Gift Order Form
Every day we have is a gift from God. What we do with that day is our gift back to Him. Please look from your heart at what you contribute to our church. There are many things that you can contribute... your time, your talents, and your financial resources. For our church to successfully meet the needs of our members and our community, we need all of those things! God has greatly blessed us all. Please prayfully consider what you will commit to give back to God.
There are many practical considerations in keeping our church running. We need to maintain the buildings, the grounds, plan services and music, plan and execute what we will teach, assist our members, pay the utility bills, and pay our staff. We support the community by providing building facilities for meeting places, weddings, and other events. We need to pay our apportionments, which is our fair share of what the United Methodist Church does as a whole throughout the world. This includes mission work, what UMCOR (the United Methodist Committee of Relief) provides for disaster response, and other global work that influences and enables us to live out our Christian principles.
All of these take time, coordination, and money. But this is what God requires of us, and what gives us joy in return. God has never failed to reward those who step out on faith and answer "Yes" to His call. God will make a way for you to say "Yes." Please pray about what you should do, and find a way to say "Yes, Lord!"
About 125 people turned up to enjoy delicious grilled chicken, barbecued ribs, smokey black beans, cheesy potato casserole, green salad, red jello, and homemade cookies on Sunday evening, October 9, 2005. The kids enjoyed games, face painting and pumpkin painting, the adults had a relaxing evening eating great food and visiting with friends.
A big round of applause goes to all the stalwart people who helped prepare the food, set up, cook, grill, and clean up afterwards. You are heros! This year's barbecue raised $702, which will be divided between the church General Budget, UMCOR (the United Methodist Committee on Relief, who help disaster victims from hurricanes, earthquakes, etc.) and Yucaipa Community Assistance.
The winners of the silent auction of the beautiful quilts were Dorothy Bauman, who got the lovely hand-stitched star quilt donated by Cathy Seals, and Deb Davidson, who got the geometric quilt made by Dorothy Bauman. Thanks to the quilters for all their hard work and generosity!
Several women from our church recently attended the Women of Faith Conference held in Anaheim, California. It was a powerful experience, with a variety of excellent speakers and presentations. Learn more about Women of Faith!
Please pray for our church and the direction of our worship. We want to open our hearts and listen for God speaking to us so that we can discern what is needed in our worship and let God take us there. The Holy Spirit is a powerful force. By making the time to fast and pray, we can better open ourselves up to God and be the servants he wants us to be.
The second service that begins at 11:00AM has always been a more informal and relaxed service, but a team has been exploring ways that we can offer different styles of worship to better serve different age groups and individuals. Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Open Doors challenges us to reach our beyond our comfort zone to members of our community that need to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. We will continue to provide a traditional worship service so that each one of us can worship and connect with God in a way that is relevant.
If you'd like to contribute your musical talents, contact our Praise Team. If you'd like to offer suggestions for this service, please contact Pastor John.
"Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with the lute and the harp! Praise him with timbrel and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals, praise him with loud, clashing cymbals! Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!" - Psalm 150:3-6
Are you breathing? Praise the Lord!
Thank for your wonderful generosity and support for our brothers and sisters in need! We exceeded our goals for the Annual Conference Mission Projects this year by donating Layette, Health and Medicine Kits for disaster victims, Boxes of Love for hungry families, and money that will be shared between the Cal-Pac Joint Commission and Ronald McDonald House.
Project 1 - Disaster Relief:
We gave 5 Layette Kits, which each included 6 cloth diapers, 2 shirts or body suits, 2 baby washcloths, 2 gowns or sleepers, 2 diaper pins, 1 front-opening sweater, and 2 receiving blankets.
We gave 14 Health Kits, which each contained 1 hand towel, 1 washcloth, 1 large comb, 1 nail file or fingernail clipper, 1 bar of soap, 1 toothbrush, toothpaste, and 6 band-aids.
We also gave an UMCOR Medicine Box, which contained 50 sterile gauze pads, 6 rolls of adhesive tape, 4 tubes of Neosporin ointment, 1000 Aspirin tablets, 500 Ferrous Sulfate tablets, 500 Children's Multivitamin tablets, 500 Adult Multivitamin tablets, and 300 Children's Chewable Acetominophen, along with a check for $375 to purchase prescription drugs.
Project 2 - Pennies from Heaven for Cal-Pac Joint Commission and Ronald McDonald House:
The coins and other money that was so generously given by church-goers was lovingly rolled by Ralph and Beth Snook, and brought to Annual Conference.
Project 3 - Hunger Relief:
We gave 14 Boxes of Love, which each contained 2 cans of green beans, 2 cans of corn, 2 cans of soup, 1 can or refried beans, 1 box of rice, 1 box of mashed potatoes, 1 can of fruit cocktail, 2 cans of fruit, 1 box of biscuit mix, 1 box of stuffing mix, 1 can of juice, 1 box of cake or cookie mix, and an $8.00 donation for additional supplies.
God has richly blessed us; please continue to do what you can to help those in desparate need!
Please bring disposable diapers (all sizes needed), baby wipes, shrink-wrapped boxes of bottled water, and health kits to the church office. You can also help by donating money; just write a check to the church and put UMCOR on the memo line.
We will make sure that all the money goes to UMCOR (the United Methodist Committee on Relief) to directly help those victims. Thank you for doing your part! It could just as easily be us in need, depending on others for assistance.
| Health Kit Contents | |
| Put these new, unused items in a gallon-size ziploc bag: |
1 hand towel (15" x 25" through
17" x 27") |
Read more articles about UMCOR's reponse to helping the victoms of Hurricane Katrina, or browse the UMCOR website to read about other ways you can help!