Grace Presbyterian Church 2100 Tice Valley Boulevard Walnut Creek, CA 94595 Sunday Worship at 10 AM www.gracewc.

org January 2014 WELCOME STATEMENT We welcome and celebrate all who join us the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the gay and the straight, the strong and the weak, the meek and the brave and though we are different one from another, we are united in loving and praising God and in loving each other.

Address Service Requested Dated Material

Non-Profit Org. U. S. Postage PAID Permit No. 241 Walnut Creek, CA

19582013 55th YEAR ANNIVERSARY

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Grace

IN THE WORLD
JANUARY 201 4

The churchmust be above all a school of love. If its not that, its nothing. Its goal is not simply to pump knowledge into people, but to train them in the way of love, so they may do the work of the Lord, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as the embodiment of Christ. Brian McLaren A New Kind of Christianity

Upcoming Sundays ......... 2 New Adult Study ............. 2 Fellowship News .............. 3 Radical Hospitality ........... 3 Calendar ........................ 4-5 CCIC .................................. 6 New Member ..................... 6 Honorees of the Month .... 6 Grace in the Family .......... 7 Mens Club ........................ 7 Needlers ............................ 7 Thank you ......................... 7 WORSHIP WITH US SUNDAYS 10 AM, Sanctuary 11 AM, Join us for Fellowship in the Fireside Room CONTACT US Regular Office Hours, M-F 9 to 3
gracepreschurchwc@gmail.com 925-935-2100 www.gracewc.org

Dear Grace-filled Friends In Pauls first letter to the Corinthians he writes a wonderful chapter on love where he says that if he has the tongue of an angel, all prophetic powers, able to understand all mysteries, faith to remove mountains, but has not love then he is nothing. The Christian life is to be measured by love. Jesus gives us the commandment to love one another. The same is true for a church. If a congregation is filled with the brightest people, the most talented singers and musicians, the ability to get things doneto move mountains, but does not love then it is nothing. There is much to celebrate at Grace Church: friendly outreach, faithful worship, engaging studies, beautiful buildings, amazing concerts. Grace Church is a gathering place for people of all ages from preschoolers and Boy Scouts, to Bridge players and support group members. Grace Church has an outward vision, seeking to care for those in need close to home and around the world. The good that Grace Church does is to be an expression of love. We need to insure that love is what undergirds it all; love for God, self, and one another. First and foremost the church must be a place of love; where love is experienced, taught, and encouraged in the lives of all individuals. We open worship with God loves you and there is nothing you can do about it. There is no way that we can stop God from loving us. We are, however, to respond to it by living a life of thanksgiving and loving one another and ourselves. Church is to be a school of love, nourishing individuals and enabling them to live gracefully and lovingly in the world. How does Grace Church measure up? In January the Elders and Deacons will be analyzing our ministry and making plans for the new year with the intention of making Grace Church a more fruitful school of love. Do you have suggestions to offer? Drop me a note. Blessings, Roger

UPCOMING EVENTS

NEW YEARS EVE GATHERING

Tuesday, December 31 4 PM in the Sanctuary Communion Celebration: Reflecting and Dreaming
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13; Revelation 21:1-6a

PASTORS & STAFF: Pastor: Roger Reaber Pastor Emeritus: Charie Reid Pastor Emeritus: Robert Williams Parish Associate: Diana Barkley Music Director: Steve Cram Office Manager: Judy Williams Financial Scty.: Jennifer Wallace

February GITW Article submission Deadline: January 16

Worship at Grace
Sermon Series Let Us Build a House
On our 55th Anniversary, Associate Pastor Emeritus, Charie Reid, introduced us to the hymn, Let Us Build a House whereall are welcome in this place. Roger will explore some of the themes presented in this hymn over five weeks. At Grace we hope to build this house

GRACE IN THE FAMILY

Happy January Birthdays!

1Forrest Cummings 1 Ralph Sheets 2Jenna Camenson 2Jeanne Owens 3Helen Suter 4Ginnie Millson 6Lorna Barber 7Betty Bell 12 Dorothy Cacciapaglia 16Kevin Albaugh 16Patty Smayda 18Doris Gerber 18Robert Smayda 21Katie Byram 21Cheri Rountree 24Victor Hall 26Carol Parker 29Edie Bergh

MENS CLUB IN THE LI BRARY

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 10:00 AM

January 5 Where Love is Found (John 11:28-44, John 4:7-11) January 12 Where All Will Serve (John 13:1-15, 34-35, Romans 12:4-8) January 19 Where All Seek Gods Reign (Micah 6:1-8, Luke 4:16-30) January 26 Where We Learn to Forgive (Matthew 18:23-34 Ephesians 4:29-32) February 5 Where All are Treasured (Luke 15:1-7, Hebrew 13:1-3)
In addition to singing hymns which were in our previous hymnal, we will be singing some old favorites as well as newer hymns we have been introduced to over the years. They include: Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory, Jesus Calls Us, Lord I Want to Be A Christian, Shall We Gather at the River, Thy Word Is A Lamp unto My Feet, What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine, What Does the Lord Require of You, Come! Live in the Light, We Shall Overcome, Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling.

Received a new book for Christmas? Want to enthuse about an older book that has given you a thrill and/or new knowledge? In December, Men of Grace decided to share a favorite book the 2nd Friday of the new year 2014, January 10th, at 10 a.m. in Grace Library. One quipster opined that one of the men attending gets to share his enthusiasm every week: Pastor Roger Reaber and his Bible. Now other men will have their time with hot drinks on tap and a captive audience. At noon an optional no-host luncheon at nearby Rossmoor Diner offers time for further discussion on other topics. All men are welcome. APOLOGIES AND THANK YOU! I was so excited to be worshipping with you (and to tell you so without becoming overwhelmed emotionally), that I totally overlooked reading to you the New Testament Scripture, which I had picked especially for your anniversary celebration! It undergirded everything I wanted to say! I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. (v. 6, from Philippians 1:3-11) I humbly accept, with deep gratitude, the honor of being named pastor emeritus. You are an ever gracious people. Thank you! Charie Reid Heartfelt Thanks to All who

A playful pose

Would you like to give a new hymnal to the church in memory or in honor of someone? A name plaque will be placed in a new hymnal upon your request. A $15 donation is suggested. To do this fill, out a form that is in the church. Turn the form in to the office.
NEEDLERS POSE IN THEIR HANDIWORK right before the holiday delivery to the Bay Area Crisis Nursery. Dottie McGhee, Diana Barkley (standing), Marty Landon, Jan Zimmerman and Marsha Stark are draped in the knitted and crocheted scarves, hats and blankets they made. Earlier this month they sent scarves abroad to service men and women, and have already received a thank you all the way from the Middle East. A big Thank you to those who have brought in yarn and supplies. Please do check your storage for items to donate for this good cause.

NEW STUDY IN JANUARY TEX MIX Stories of Earthy Mysticism

Sundays, beginning 1/12 at 11:20 AM Tuesdays beginning 1/14 at 7 PM in the Library
This video series presents the story- telling of Tex Sample who invites us to explore Christian faith and living through his down- to-earth tales and far-reaching wisdom. Tex is Professor Emeritus of Church and Society at the St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, MO.
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In Memory
Bill Brain October 10, 1921November 24, 2013

participated in all of the extra volunteer work needed to make the holiday activities come together. To all the artists, decorators, cooks, bakers, hostesses, organizers, office workers, singers, handymen and women who worked hard in November and December to make our events a success, WE THANK YOU!

CONGRATULATIONS. to Michael Parker who has graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA in Business, a minor in Philosophy and certifications in IT. And to Sam Reaber who graduated from Sonoma State University with a BA in English and Philosophy.

SAVE THE DATEPANCAKE BREAKFAST Benefits Grace Cooperative Preschool Saturday, February 8, 8 to 11 AM Pancakes, bacon & eggs Raffle prizes galore

CCIC UPDATE FOR JANUARY

What do you really need? CCIC is requesting you check the answer to this question and respond to the pleas for microwaves, blankets, small dressers and small tables and BEDS, especially twin and double and BUNK BEDS. The county social service case workers are enthusiastic about the help given to their clients by the member churches through the furniture and household supplies donated by YOU. Check around and with your neighbors for items that can be donated smile, God loves a cheerful giver. Bless the New Year with your continued generosity. Direct donations can be made by contacting Bev Williams at 933-7040; small donations can be left in the church office and I will deliver them. Sharon Lyons, CCIC Grace

Update on giving Tree

As of December 17th you donated approximately $500 to the holiday Giving Tree. Thank you.

Grace Fellowship Hour News...

Session hosted the second Sunday of the month. On the third Sunday we were served by Team One-El Fellowship Team Members join us on Nungesser, B. J. Boone and Lois King; Team Two SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2014 at 10:30 AM -Marsha Stark, Louise Milford and Rosalyn (Fireside Room). All new and returning hosts/ Cannelora; Team Three-Pat Hansen, Sally Day hostesses are invited to a short training session and Karen Haus; Team 4-Maryanne Sanchez, M. to help make the experience of providing J. Palley, Pat Cummings and Lori Camenson; Fellowship Hour easier. Team Five-Janyce Gerber, Mary Ann Littig, Diana The procedure to be followed each Sunday will Barkley and B. J. Boone; and Team 6-Marjie Bradley, Phyllis Carman and Jan Elliott. On fourth be presented along with the schedule for 2014. Sundays our hardworking Deacons treated us to A tour of the kitchen, coffee making, festive birthday cakes. and location of supplies will be covered. The diversity of treats and creative decorations put Recommendations for nutritious treats, amounts out each week has been delightful for everyone who to prepare, as well as a template for table setup visits. The enthusiastic support of each member of and centerpiece ideas will be presented. Stay for each team has been greatly appreciated. some refreshments following the presentation. Be on the lookout for new ideas up coming for This is a great time for Team Members to 2014. There will be good nutritious snacks offered get together and prepare for the coming year following a new template suggested to the Fellowship and have all your questions answered. Coordinators. Session has voted to permanently retire the Please notify either B. J. Boone 939-4998 or Donation Box by 12/31/13. Many thanks to those Karen Haus 935-1591 of your intention to attend. who have contributed in the past; may we suggest you support the Food Barrel or Food Boxes Thank you to each member of Graces assembled by Sharon Lyons in the future. You are Fellowship Hour Teams for an extraordinarily always welcome to offer your help to any of the good job during 2013. Teams, just contact one of the Team Members. A heartfelt Thank You to the Presbyterian Thanks again for a job exceedingly well done in Womens Circles, Esther, Lydia and Susanna for serving so ably the first Sunday of each month. The 2013 by all Fellowship Hour contributors.

Fellowship Hour Training

WELCOME NEW MEMBER!

Arline Densmore joined Grace Church in October. She moved to Rossmoor from Los Angeles in May 2012 to be closer to her son, Jeffrey, and his family who lives in Castro Valley. Arline is a widow. Her husband, Morris, was a WWII vet and worked for Union Bank as the head of the Trust Department. While he was getting an advanced degree at Harvard, Arline enjoyed her involvement with a theatre group. She enjoys bridge, reading, good theatre, antiques and history. She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution chapter that meets in Rossmoor. She delights in the beauty of Rossmoor. At Grace Church she appreciates the genuine people and the intellectual stimulation which she finds in worship and the adult studies. Welcome Arline!

Honorees of the Month

On January 19th we are honoring these prayer groups active in our congregation: The Prayer Chain: Marjie Tweedie is the contact person for the prayer chain. If you have concerns for yourself, family or friends you can call her and she will pass the information along through a phone tree to fourteen members who pray for the person and need. The members of the chain are, Marjie Tweedie, Dorothy MillerNelson, Aline Wilson, Geri Rentz, Kathie Riise, Lorna Barber, Pat Devine-Cummings, Marcia Stover, Leslee Prahl, Lavenia Black, Phyllis Carmen, Joy Maynes, Dottie McGhee and Gail Peterson. Power Prayer, was started by Joy & Buddy Maynes. This Tuesday morning group (10 a.m.) follows a loose format with time for sharing concerns, praying the current prayer chain and sometimes a meditative activity. They have worked with the "Fruit of the Spirit," lectio devina, collage and french pantoum, a type of poetry. Those who have attended are Joy & Buddy, Aline Wilson, Geri Rentz, Leslee Prahl, Pat Devine- Cummings, M.J. Palley, Gail Peterson and Rosemary Steltz. The group is open to anyone who would like to spend the hour together in fellowship and prayer. They usually meet in the library or the conference room. Prayer Partners gather at the front of the Sanctuary near the bell tables on Sundays after worship. They welcome people to come and share concerns and are glad to pray for wisdom and peace in dealing with various struggles. They pray for Grace Church, the community in Tice Valley, our world. The core of this group has been Joy & Buddy Maynes, Bob Williams, Marjie Tweedie, Geri Rentz, Rosemary Steltz, Lavenia Black, John Larsen, Gail Peterson. Others join from time to time.all are welcome!

WORSHIP: Attendance increased slightly for the first two Sundays in December. Communion Sunday attendance back to a more usual number compared to the high attendance for the first Sunday in November! The Sanctuary looked beautiful in Christmas finery which set the stage for all the special programs during the month of December. OUTREACH: The annual Advent Tea on December 7th was well attended with about 150 guests. The highlight of the program was the presentation of the Honorary Service Award to tiny, but mighty, Hazel Tawney. The Madrigal Singers of Northgate High entertained us with delightful holiday songs. The tea afterward did not disappoint! Platter upon platter of tea sandwiches and cookies deliciously fed the masses. The next day, December 8, the Ashmolean Singers of Rossmoor returned to Grace to bless us with their Hazel gets the award. beautiful music. The concert turnout was incredible. Over 200 folks filled the sanctuary! The Grace Church office, with the assistance of Florence Stone (Outreach Coordinator), has increased our exposure in the community by using ads, press releases and posters to notify community members of upcoming events. You, our pledging members and friends, have helped to fund her position and it looks like it is paying off with increased presence in our neighborhood. COMING ATTRACTIONS: Plan ahead to invite some friends to this special event: What Four? Barbershop Quartet ConcertSunday, January 12th at 7 PM. This terrific quartet entertained us at the RFOG Summerfest last August. We are happy to have them come again.

Please join in our Radical Hospitality movement. You and your guests will have a wonderful time.

Grace Church Calendar

SUNDAY
SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP

January 2014
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

ASSIGNMENTS

New Years Day Office Closed

9:00 Yoga/Parkinsons (O)

10:00 PW Board (F) 9:00 ATC-Theology Class (L)

10:00 ATC Bible Study (L)

Jan. 5 Susanna Circle Jan. 12 Business Jan. 19 Team 1 Jan. 26 Deacons

9-2 Standing Ovations Theater (S)

3:00 Standing Ovations (S) 7:00 ATC Bible Study (L) 7:45 AA (F) 5:30 Chess School (L, F, 9) 6:30 ATC-Theology Class (L) 10:00 ATC Bible Study (L) 9-2 Standing Ovations Theater (S) 9:30-2:30 Church Officers Retreat (O) 6:30 ATC-Theology Class (L)

10:00 Worship/ Communion (S) 11:00 Fellowship (F)

7
10:00 Power Prayer (L)

10:00 Bible Study (L)

9:00 Yoga/Parkinsons (O)

12:00 Lydia Circle (F) 6:30 Bell Choir (S) 7:00 ATC Bible Study (L) 7:30 Chancel Choir (S) 7:45 AA (F)

10:00 MENS CLUB (L)

10 9:30 Susanna Circle (F) 11

1:00 Bridge (F) 5:00 ATC Class (L) 7:30 AA (F) 7:00 Boy Scouts (O) 7:30 SUBUD (F) 5:00 ATC Class (L) 6:00 Debtors Annon. (F)

3:00 Standing Ovations (O) 5:30 Chess School (F, L, 9)

12

10:00 Worship (S) 11:00 Fellowship (F) 11:20 Tex Mix (L) 7:00 What Four? Barbershop Quartet Concert (S) 7:30 AA (F)

13
11:00 Needlers (F) 1:00 RFOG Planning (L) 5:00 ATC Class (L) 7:00 Boy Scouts (F, O)

14
10:00 Power Prayer (L) 11:45 Ether Circle (F) 7:00 Tex Mix (L) 7:30 PAS Concert (S)

15

10:00 Bible Study (L)

16

9:00 Yoga/Parkinsons (O) 11:00 RPEA (Fireside Room) 6:30 Bell Choir (S) 7:00 ATC Bible Study (L) 7:30 Chancel Choir (S) 7:45 AA (F)

17

9:00 ATC-Theol. Class (L)

18

3:00 Standing Ovations (O) 5:30 Chess School (F, L, 9)

1:00 Bridge (F) 5:00 ATC Class (L) 6:00 Debtors Annon. (F)

9-10 Parkinsons Group (F) 9-2 Standing Ovations Theater (S) 10:00 Parkinsons Meeting (O) 10:00 ATC Bible Study (L) 6:30 ATC-Theology Class (L)

19

10:00 Worship (S) 11:00 Fellowship (F) 11:20 Tex Mix (L) 2:00 Eagle Court (S, O) 7:30 AA (F)

20

Martin Luther King Day Church Office Closed

21

10:00 Power Prayer (L)

22

10:00 Bible Study (L)

23

9:00 Yoga/Parkinsons (O)

24 9:00 ATC-Theol. Class (L) 25

3:00 Standing Ovations (S)

1:00 Bridge (F) 7:00 Tex Mix (L) 7:30 SUBUD (F) 5:00 ATC Class (L) 6:00 Debtors Annon. (F)

5:00 ATC Class (L) 7:00 Boy Scouts (O)

6:30 Bell Choir (S) 7:00 ATC Bible Study (L) 7:30 Chancel Choir (S) 7:45 AA (F)

9-2 Standing Ovations Theater (S) 10:00 ATC Bible Study (L) 10:30 Fellowship Orientation (F) 6:30 ATC-Theology Class (L)
CConference Room FFireside Room LLibrary OOak Room SSanctuary PASPerforming Arts Society PWPresbyterian Women

26

10:00 Worship (S) 11:00 Fellowship (F) 11:20 Tex Mix (L) 6:30 PAS Auditions (S) 7:30 AA (F)

27
11:00 Needlers (F) 5:00 ATC Class (L) 7:00 Boy Scouts (O)

28

All Day Life Line Screening (O)

29

10:00 Bible Study (L)

30

10:00 Power Prayer (L) 7:00 Tex Mix (L) 7:30 PAS Board

1:00 Bridge (F) 5:00 ATC Class (L) 6:00 Debtors Annon. (F)

9:00 Yoga/ 31 Parkinsons (O) 10:30 PAS Concert (S) 9:15 Newsletter Folding (L) 6:30 Bell Choir (S) 7:00 ATC Bible Study (L) 7:30 Chancel Choir (S) 7:45 AA (F) 3:00 Standing Ovations (S)