Pastor Paul's Paragraphs

      I have on my desk at home a 48-page book entitled "Memoirs of Mary Venturelli-Radobenko". Let me quote from the title page of my mother's memoirs.

      "The American dream starts in the heart of people who courageously leave their homeland and make their way to the land of the free. This is my family background. My life is a part of the fabric of our society—the American dream."

     In addition to what I already know, I have learned a great deal concerning my heritage.

     At her recent 80th birthday party, mom presented her book to all seven of her children and many grand children that were present. I feel very special and honored to have the heritage that I do. It includes the "American Dream" of pilgrim types who came to the shores of North America during the 20th century from both Italy and the Ukraine. My Italian grandmother was very young when she came to the United States. Here is what she had to say from mom's book.

     "As we came closer to Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty loomed taller and taller. I was as excited as a child could be. Hankies waved wildly from outstretched arms; others wiped tear-stained cheeks."

      I also remember the emotional words of my father as he described his own experience of traversing the Atlantic Ocean as a young boy and arriving on the North American continent.

      More importantly, my heritage also includes a "Godly Heritage" that both of my parents made available to my siblings and me. While under the care of mom and dad, I would sit in family altar times, be faithful in church attendance, end up at summer camps where I trusted Christ as personal Savior, be exposed to Biblical teaching as a teenager, dedicate my life to the Lord for vocational ministry, and head off to Bible college.

      The following Scrip-tures have much to say concerning our spiritual heritage.

     Psalm 61:5: "…thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name."

     Psalm 127:3: "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD:..."

     Isaiah 54:17: "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD." Accord-ing to James 4:14, life is very short when compared to eternity. Take a look at 1 Corinthians 3:11-16.

      What kind of heritage are you building in 2007?

      Thanks, mom and dad, for the heritage you passed on to me, especially my "Godly Heritage."

      Now you continue to be an example to those who follow in your footsteps.

      Pastor Paul

Kids Korner - Pastor Greg

      It shouldn't come as a huge surprise that the following passage would be a favorite of Children's Pastors. Mark 10:13-16 reads, "Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.' And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them."

      That passage is reiterated in both Matthew 19 and Luke 18. There is no question at all what Jesus thought of children. He loved them. He embraced them. He blessed them. And so should we. Our church must be a place where children are loved, embraced, and blessed.

      We are blessed in this church with many little ones. From the many births of new babies that have taken place in the last year to the elementary kids preparing for adolescence, we have kids of all ages! How we praise the Lord for this! Combining all the ministries we offer to children (Nursery, Sunday School, Children's Church, Midweek Club, and God Squad), we minister to over 100 children every week. Amazing! And all the glory goes to God!

      I am so thankful for the TEAM the Lord has assem-bled to help us meet the opportunities to reach this younger generation for the Lord. But friends, I must be honest. We need more help. After several years of pastoral ministry, I'm aware that there is always a need for more help, in every aspect of ministry. But as the Children's Pastor, I can only speak to our current situation. Our volunteer team is being stretched very thin and we need some additional people to love, embrace, and bless our children as Jesus did.

      Here are some of our specific needs. If you have any questions about any of these, please let me know. Come be a part of a team that is making an eternal difference! I'd love to speak with you about the opportunities.

     NURSERY: A once-a-month service opportunity. Openings in both the Sunday School and Morning Service hours. You will be scheduled for only one hour every month. An additional 4 people here would make a huge difference!

     SUNDAY SCHOOL: We have a full staff in place, but we need to develop a substitute program for those days when current teachers/helpers are sick or out of town. Curriculum is provided.

     CHILDREN'S CHURCH: We could use one more team of 2 people (perhaps a husband and wife!) to work with our Beginners (Pre-School & Kindergarten kids) one Sunday a month. Curriculum is provided.

     MIDWEEK CLUB: Our greatest area of need (it is the largest ministry of the 4 as we average 50-60 kids per week). We need small group leaders who can listen to memory verses and help kids in their weekly journals. There is no teaching involved. Love kids? Want to make an impact? Here's your opportunity! We could easily utilize 6 more adults (teenagers, too!) on Wednes-day nights.

      Pastor Greg

Auction 2007

GRACE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY AND PRESCHOOL
SATURDAY, MARCH 3

9:00 AM - Breakfast/Preview/Silent Auction
10:00 AM - Live Auction

Don’t miss this fun and fantastic fundraiser with Principal Russell Rohleder as our auctioneer!!!

Here’s how you can help make the day a success!

• DONATE TWO NEW, OR NEARLY NEW, ITEMS OR ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES
  You don’t necessarily have to go out and buy something - ask businesses that you patronize for a donation or think of a service you would be willing to provide. However, please don’t “clean out the garage”! All items must be delivered to the school by Friday, February 23 - one week before the Auction. Donation forms are available in the GCA office and the church foyer.
• BE A VOLUNTEER
  Before the Auction and at the Auction If you can help, please complete a sign-up sheet and return it to Lori Rohleder by Sunday, February 11.

A Woman’s Friend

is experiencing a marked increase in the number of clients being served! They will be offering volunteer training for in-center receptionist, peer counselors and nurses (must be LVN’s or RN’s) beginning February 5, 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. If you would like to attend training or need more information, please call Barbara Mejia or Becky Reimers at 741-9136

TIP-Trauma Intervention Program Inc.

The Trauma Intervention Program is currently recruiting citizens 14 years of age and older to provide immediate support to victims in hospital emergency rooms and at emergency scenes. If you are a resident of the Yuba, Sutter, So. Butte area with a warm heart and cool head, call 530-673-9300 or register online at www.tipnational.org. Next training, February 22-25 & March 1-4, 2007.

Christian Assistance Network

is in need of volunteers!!! If you are interested in volunteering at the CAN office, here are some of the requirements: willingness, cheerfulness, some agility, confidentiality. Shift times are Monday thru Friday, 9-12 PM or 1-4 PM. CAN will provide necessary training. If you are interested in volunteering at the food distribution and clothing center, the times are Monday thru Thursday 1-3 PM. For more information see Larry Garvin.

March Events

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT FAITH?

If you have questions about your faith, or would like information on how to spread the Word of Jesus Christ, then pick up a copy of this informative CD. Author Rick Warren and narrator of this CD, shares his insight to many questions that Christians and nonbelievers have. Also, for answers to many problems such as addiction, loneliness, depression, money and stress, visit his website at www.theinvitation.tv.

Calendar of Events

Click on the highlighted dates - the events are shown on the right.