The Grapevine A Publication of Fremont Presbyterian Church

V O L U M E 5 9 • I S S U E 1 2 • D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

featuringChildren’s Musical & the Fremont Music AcademyTuesday, December 9, 6:30 pmCommunity Life CenterJoin our Children’s Choirs as they present “Shobi Shares a Miracle” – a Christmas musical telling the Nativi-ty story. Also performing will be the Fremont Music Academy Bands and Orchestras.

“A Christmas Celebration”

Christmas Eve Worship ServicesWEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24

• FAMILY WORSHIP 4:30 PMJoin us for a special service in our Community Life Center designed for families and children to experience the wonder of Christmas with a spe-cial message for the kids. The Modern Worship Team and children’s choirs will help your family celebrate the birth of Christ.

• CANDLELIGHT SERVICES – 7:00, 9:00 & 11:00 PMExperience the warmth and beauty of worshiping the newborn Christ by candlelight. Led by Pastor David Burke, the Sanctuary Choir, organ and instrumentalists, these services are a highlight of the season for many, with favorite carols and moving candle pageantry in a warm and inviting setting. Childcare provided for the 7:00 pm service only (infant – age 5).

The Glorious Sounds of Christmas

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12 at 7:00 pmSATURDAY, DECEMBER 13 at 7:00 pmSUNDAY, DECEMBER 14 at 7:00 pm

The 100-voice Fremont Choir and Orchestra present a festive Christmas Concert featuring Rutter’s “Gloria” along with several Christmas carol favorites. At this time all tickets have been distrib-uted. If you have not gotten a ticket yet, there are 3 things you can do:

1) Check with the office. 2) You can go on the Fremont website and sign up on the Tick-

et Waiting List. People do return their unused tickets. 3) You can come on the night of the concert; at 6:45 stand-by

seating is available to those without tickets. In past years, we have had room for all those without tickets.

The

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(USPS 210040)A newsletter published monthly by Fremont Presbyterian Church 5770 Carlson Drive, Sacramento, CA. 95819.

Periodicals postage paid at Sacramento, CA.

Postmaster: Please send address changes to address above.

The deadline for news items is printed on the back page. Submit all news items in writing including your name, phone number and date of submission to the Publications Coordinator mailbox or e-mail them to BECKY LUCERO at: becky@fremontpres.org. Contact church office with address changes.

Hours: Mon. - Fri., 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Sun., 8:30 am-12:30 am

Telephone: (916) 452-7132 FAX: (916) 452-2160 Webpage: www.fremontpres.org

December 07 • Communion SundaySecond Sunday of Advent Classic at 8:55 am • Modern at 11:00 amDavid Burke, preaching“THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM” Matthew 2:1-12

December 14Third Sunday of Advent Classic at 8:55 am • Modern at 11:00 amDan Willson, preaching“GRACE OUR FEAR RELIEVES”Luke 2:8-11

December Sunday Worship

Keeping Fremont’s tradition of the Advent Wreath, but returning to a more traditional meaning for each of the candles, our Ad-vent worship will tell the Christmas story and focus on different characters within it.

December 21Fourth Sunday of AdventClassic at 8:55 am • Modern at 11:00 amDavid Burke, preaching“THE SHEPHERDS” Luke 2:1-12, 15-20

December 28Classic at 8:55 am • Modern at 11:00 amDave Pack, preaching“OUT WITH THE OLD” Numbers 14:1-4

Advent Focus

THE GRAPEVINE2

( - - - - - - - - - - Marathon Route)

PLAN AHEAD FOR THE CALIFORNIA INTERNATIONALMARATHON • SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7

On Sunday, December 7, Fair Oaks Boulevard, J Street and the H Street Bridge will be closed for parts of the morning due to the California Inter-national Marathon. Remember to plan ahead for your alternate route and leave earlier than usual.

For those living north of Fair Oaks Boulevard: Take Arden Way west to the Capital City Freeway (Business 80). Proceed west to the E Street off ramp, then south on 29th Street to H Street. Turn left on H Street and take H Street to Carlson Drive.

For those living south of Fair Oaks Boulevard: Take the 65th Street exit off Highway 50. Turn right and follow 65th onto Elvas Avenue. Bear left, turn right on 57th Street and right on H Street.

Daily Devotion: Fremont would like to send you a daily devotion that highlights what the Bible has to say about community and friendship. All you have to do is text Belong to 56316. If you prefer your devotion sent by email, please email Dave at dpack@fremontpres.org. Type Belong in the subject line. We can’t wait to connect with you!

3FREMONT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

“Where there is no vision, the people perish.”Proverbs 29:18 KJV

“Vision begins with a concern…”Andy Stanley, Visioneering

“What are you concerned about at Fremont?” That is the question I asked our staff during one meeting. A lively dis-cussion ensued for several hours. Rich stories were shared of how people came to worship and serve at Fremont. We heard feedback from members and visitors through comments shared with staff members. At the end of the meeting, two phrases stood on the white board of the conference room.

I asked the same question of our elders at our recent Lead-ership Retreat: What are you concerned about at Fremont? With large Post-It notes on the wall of our meeting room, we wrote down every idea, every question, and every concern. We debated respectfully, and there was passionate dialogue.

As only God can do, over the next several hours, both our elders and staff came to the same two conclusions. The first priority is this: as a church, we are to be seeking to become followers of Jesus, and help people in that same quest. The traditional word for this is “disciple,” which at its core means “learner.” But as Greek scholar Spiros Zodhiates puts it, it is one “who accepts the instruction given to him and makes it his rule of conduct.” It is more than learning a series of facts. It is learning for the purpose of total life transformation.

The second priority is this: as a church, we are to be engaging with our community. Loving without an agenda, but with a purpose of showing the love of Christ to our neighbors and the world. This has been a part of the DNA of Fremont for many years. From our partnership with Earl Warren Elemen-tary School, where the personal involvement of Fremont tutors has helped lead to an increase of 40% in test scores over the past 14 years, to the construction of the Community Life Center in 2004 which hosts many things, and is about to launch another season of the Upward Basketball program, bringing over 300 children to play every week; to Fremont Nursery School, which has been a fixture of the East Sacra-mento neighborhood with over 90% of the families not being members of Fremont; to our partnership with the Shekkacho people group in Ethiopia, which has helped bring clean water, new schools, and churches, encouraged new businesses, and proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ so that thousands now call upon His name as Lord and Savior. This is who we are: so where are we to show the love of God now?

Words from David

Both of these priorities cannot be separated from one another. As one elder mentioned, “This is the Great Commandment: Love God, love neighbor.” (Matthew 22:37-38). Have you ever wondered about when Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, that he answered with two commandments? We are blessed, to be a blessing.

I wanted you to know that this is what our lead-ership is wrestling with. How might everything we do filter through the twin lenses of Loving God and Loving Neighbor? How might our worship services seek to help us all become more mature followers of Jesus, AND love our community well? How might everything we do on Sunday mornings, during our weekdays and during our evenings, fit that vision?

This will be quite a journey. To seek after God’s vi-sion for our church will require all of us. Will you commit, as our leadership has, to pray, to plan, and then, to work? We are not to be a people of mere talk. The apostle Paul reminds us: “The kingdom of God does not consist in talk, but in power.” (I Cor-inthians 4:20) And Jesus told his first disciples, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

So may it be with us, His followers at Fremont.

Dr. David Burke

(1 Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.

4 THE GRAPEVINE

Music forChildren and Youth Classes meet on Tuesdays, free of charge.

CHILDRENWIGGLIN’ WORSHIP – Mommy/Daddy and me (Ages 2-5)Tuesdays, 5:00 - 5:30 pm

SONBEAMS – Choir (Grades K-1) Tuesdays, 5:00 - 5:50 pm

GRACE NOTES – Hand Chimes (Gr. 2-5) Tuesdays, 4:20 - 5:00 pm

KING’S KIDS – Choir (Grades 2-5) Tuesdays, 5:00 - 5:50 pm

YOUTHSOUNDS OF PRAISE – Choir (Grades 6-12) Tuesdays, 4:45 - 5:50 pm

BELLS OF GLORY – Hand Bells (Grades 6-12) Tuesdays, 3:30 - 4:15 pm

Music for AdultsSANCTUARY CHOIR – Choir (Adults) sings in 8:55 am Classic Service (8:00 am call time). Rehearses Thursdays, 7 - 9 pm in the Sanctuary. Cheryl Eshoff, Director.

SAINTS ALIVE! – Choir (Senior Adults) Sings periodically during the year in the 8:55 am Classic Service. Rehearses Wednesdays, 1 - 2:30 pm, in the Music Room. Bob Hearst, Director.

The Advent Workshop is an interactive Christmas experience for kids. Children will participate in the Advent Workshop during the 8:55 & 11:00 service hours in conjunction with their regular class schedule. If you are interested in helping with this event, please contact Interim Coordinator of Chil-dren’s Ministries, Angie Nevin at cmpa@fremontpres.org.

Advent

Workshop

Sunday,

December 7,

2014

8:55 & 11:00

in Ferguson Hall

FREE e-WasteCollectionFundraiser!

S P O N S O R E D B Y C E A R , I N C . • C E A R I N C . C O M

9 AM to 1 PMSaturday, October 23

Fremont parking lotWe will accept: monitors, televisions,desktop and notebooks, VCRs, stereoequipment, speakers, keyboards, digital cameras, telephones, cell phones,printers, copiers and fax machines.

We cannot take: appliances, furniture,hazardous waste, flourescent lightbulbs, paint, pesticides, used oil,cleaning supplies, tires, etc.

For optimal security CEAR INC shredsall accepeted computer hard drives.

NEXT WEEKEND!

You don’t even need to get out of the car, we will unload it for you!

FREE E - waste Collection Fundraiser! Saturday, January 24, 20159:00 am - 1:00 pmFremont Presbyterian Church parking lot5770 Carlson Dr.Sacramento, CA.If you get new electronics for Christmas, save your e-waste for FNS!

Proceeds benefit tuition scholarships for FNS students and professional develop-ment for FNS teachers.

We will accept: monitors, televisions, desktop and notebooks, VCRs, stereo equipment, speakers, keyboards, digital cameras, telephones, cell phones, print-ers, copiers and fax machines.

We cannot take: appliances, furniture, hazardous waste, fluorescent light bulbs, paint, pesticides, used oil, cleaning sup-plies, tires, etc.

If you have questions, please contact Christine Hewitt, christine@rocketshells.com

Proceeds benefitting

FREMONT NURSERY SCHOOL

Thank you for your support of Fremont Nursery School!

Tai Chi will start on Monday, Jan. 5th at 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm in room E210. If you are looking for a way to reduce stress and help improve balance come and give it a try. For more information call Lee Fairley at 359-4756.

FREMONT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 5

small groups

1) SMALL GROUPS LEADERSHIP TRAINING WITH DAVE PACK, and leaders from Men’s and Women’s ministries. You are invited, whether you are a current small group leader, are con-templating leadership, or even if you simply want the information. We will be meeting on Sunday, December 14 at 12:30 in the Geneva Room. Lunch will be provided. Come join us.

2) GET CONNECTED SUNDAY. On December 14 after each service we will have tables set up in the foyer to better help you get connected into a small group that is the right fit for you. For those who are in existing groups, we would love to chat with you about adding people to your group (only if you’re interested), and let-ting you know the different kinds of curriculum that we would love to provide for you as we look forward to a mid January launch for small groups. We will have pastries and beverages for those who come by and chat.

Life Outside of SundaysA Note from Don BairdDear friends and Fremont family,

It has been exactly one month since that amazing banquet was held when you celebrated with me my 45 years of ministry and years of service with you at Fremont. My memories are still fresh with the sounds of celebration, laughter and memories. Who would have guessed that Lysle was such a talented Scotsman? I am still reading and rereading your cards and notes of affection and appreciation. They are very touching and will be kept in the Baird archives forever.

Now that we both, Fremont and I, are on new and different ad-ventures, I know that the past will greatly reward the future for each of us. All of those things that we experienced, shared and accomplished together will continue to contribute to who we are and who we will become in the future. It is with great joy and pride that I recall the accomplishments Fremont had over those almost 20 years that we shared together and I am grateful for each one of those experiences and each one of you who made them possible.

Finally, I want to thank you for the generous gift of a trip to Aus-tralia. Morag and I are in the process of exploring when that trip will take place, but when it does, we are looking forward to reacquainting ourselves with family who live there and enjoying new experiences in a part of the world we have never visited before. It looks like, right now, we will be enjoying such a jour-ney next summer or fall, during the Australian spring. I hope to touch base with you when we get back to inform you how that trip went.

Retirement is still an awkward house guest. I wake up each morning thinking that it was just a dream and that I’d better get going to my next meeting, only to look at my calendar and find it still empty. The present is filled with cleaning, sorting and dis-carding the accumulation of books, articles and stuff that have collectively consumed closets, desks and drawers over the years when there was so little time to tidy up. Soon that will come to an end and I’ll need other things to do. I am talking with sever-al churches who are looking for an interim pastor, but whether that happens is yet to be determined.

I want to congratulate David Burke on his installation. That too was a wonderful celebration and a good beginning of a fruitful ministry that you will be having together, I am sure, in the fu-ture. May all of God's blessings be showered upon you each one and may the family at Fremont flourish and continue to bear witness to the Glory of God and to produce good fruit.

God bless, Don

Socks for Loaves and FishesIf you're homeless you walk a lot! So, it's essen-tial to keep your feet warm and dry, and you need good socks for that. You can help Loaves and Fishes by donating tube socks or any sturdy sock. There will be boxes in the Narthex and the CLC Atrium until December 14th for drop offs.

is collecting holiday gifts for homeless children. Last year they helped 2,500 homeless children. The gifts should be new and unwrapped, deliv-ered to Mustard Seed by Dec. 15th. Check out the gift wish list by contacting Christy at (916) 525-8776 or at christymustardseed@gmail.com.

Mustard Seed School

6 THE GRAPEVINE

Adult Education on Sundays at 10:15 amFOUNDATIONSROOM E210, 10:15 AM We continue our study of theology through the R. C. Sproul teaching series Foundations. We continue with “Ecclesiology.” The word “ecclesiology” comes from two Greek words meaning “assembly” and “word” - combining

to mean “the study of the church.” Please plan to join us for this exciting study.

ECCLESIOLOGY - The Nature, Function and Mission of the ChurchDecember 7 – The Church: Catholic and ApostolicDecember 14 – Worship in the ChurchDecember 21 – The Sacraments of the ChurchJanuary 4 – BaptismJanuary 11 – The Lord’s Supper

For young couples with young children (6th grade and younger) Classes led by: John and Heather Hansen, Jacob and Caellin Douglas, Greg and Ruthie Kolber, Robert and Gwen Equi, Rob and Kristen McVicar. Questions? Call 916-505-6826.

BIBLICAL PRINCIPALS FOR RAISING YOUNG CHILDREN (6th grade and younger)WESTMINSTER ROOM C, 10:10 AM

ZECHARIAHCHAPEL, 10:15 AMIf most of us had to pick a book of the Old Testament to study, chances are pretty good that we would not pick Zechariah. But the New Testament actually ref-erences the Book of Zechariah more than forty times. That’s why some people say the Book of Zechariah is a “mini Isaiah.”

Come join Pastor Dan Willson as he leads a very deep, 14-week look at the second to the last book in the Old Testament. If you’re hungry for some scholarly teach-ing, or if you’ve never experienced the joys that focus-ing on a book of the Bible can bring, this will be a great class for you. Dan is an incredible teacher.

Your faith will be strengthened because the book of Zechariah is very clearly about Jesus the Messiah and the future for God’s people. Class will take place be-tween services in the Chapel on the following Sundays in 2014 (before a Christmas/New Year’s break): December 7, 14 and 21

LAUGH YOUR WAY TO A BETTER MARRIAGEWESTMINSTER, 10:15 AMFeaturing Mark GungorEncore Video Presentation!

TopicsDec. 7 Few vs. Many (Words)Dec. 14 Formula For SuccessDec. 21 Ask The Right WayDec. 28 The Point SystemJan. 4 Starting Over…Again!

Student Ministries

Connect with other COLLEGE 20’S & grow in your relationship with Christ. Check out information on the website under College Ministry.

(fremontpres.org)

THE WayCOLLEGE:

FOR FOR MORE INFO: JORDAN@FREMONTPRES.ORG

FOR JR. HIGH: CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR EVENTS!:

FREMONTPRES.ORG/#/MINISTRIES/ONE-LIFE-JUNIOR-HIGH

FOR HIGH SCHOOL,Contact Lysle Spangler: lysle@fremontpres.org.Check out our website:

oneelement.org

FREMONT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 7

Christmas Offering 2014

“Feed the Hungry”

The 2014 Christmas Offering will be shared between The Sacra-mento Loaves and Fishes and the Central Downtown Food Basket.

Supporting Central Downtown Food Basket and Sacramento Loaves and Fishes.

“FEED THE HUNGRY”

Have you ever gone to bed hungry because there was no food in your house? Probably not, but there are many people in Sacramento who do. This December we want to help feed the hungry in Sacramento. The 2014 Christmas Offering is designated half for the Central Downtown Food Basket and half to fund a monthly lunch at Loaves and Fishes. This special offering will be taken on Sunday, December 21.

Every second Tuesday of the month a team from Fremont prepares and serves a meal at Loaves and Fishes. We have a dedicated team of volunteers who are demonstrating the love of Christ. Both recipients and servers benefit from this interaction. The cost of the ingredients continues to increase so there is great need. This ministry depends on the generosity of donors. If you would like to join the Fremont team please contact Lana Elhardt (lana.elhardt@yahoo.com or 456-1847).

Fremont has partnered with the Central Downtown Food Basket since it was founded in 1983. They provide non-prepared food for the elderly, unemployed and underemployed in Sacramento, serving them with love, dignity and re-spect. Last year they distributed nearly $1 million worth of food through three locations including one here at Fremont.

Since the spring of 2012 Fremont has been a distribution site on the third Thursday of the month in Ferguson Hall from 5 to 6:30 pm. This started out small but has grown to over 50 families and individuals. They often have fresh foods along with canned and packaged goods. Hygiene items are sometimes available and Local Mission has partnered with Health Ministry to provide blood pressure testing. If you would like to help with the food distribution please contact Kim Vagadori (kimberleehomer@yahoo.com).

As we read in Matthew 25:35, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink…” and in Matthew 25:40 “…I will tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Please keep these recipients in prayer and give generously to help us feed the hungry.

8 THE GRAPEVINE

FOOD DISTRIBUTIONDECEMBER 18 at Fremont 5:00 - 6:30 pm in Ferguson HallFood provided by the Central Downtown Food Basket.

WICKER BASKET COLLECTIONS

Winter is almost here and many of you will be traveling during the holidays

and in early 2015. As you travel, please remember the needy in Sacramento and save the travel size toiletries found in your hotel. Those little shampoos, soaps and lotions mean a great deal to the homeless. Please collect them and drop them in the wicker baskets in the Narthex and CLC Atrium when you return to church. There’s also a big need for toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, brushes, Chap-stick and deodorant. All of these items can go in the wicker baskets and someone from the Local Mission team will deliv-er them to our mission partners for distribution.

USED PRINTER INK CARTRIDGESYou can also help our local mission partners by donating your used printer ink cartridges. They turn these in for credit to-ward stationery items. Please leave them in the office.

Local Mission

ST. JOHN’S SHELTER FOR WOMEN & CHILDREN NEEDS VOLUNTEERS... to wrap gifts in December. Fremonters can also adopt a family for Christmas. For more information please call Linda Marsh, (916) 298-2603.

FRANCIS HOUSE CENTER BENEFIT CONCERT Saturday, December 6th from 4:00-7:00 pm at The Torch Club, 904 15th Street, featuring the FBI Band. Contact Debie Ba-ranchulk at 916-747-9118 if you have ques-tions.

for your donations to the PHILEMON PRE-SCHOOL PROJECT through our Peacemak-ing Offering in October. The total given was $15,517.15.

Thank You Fremonters...

What a wonderful morning we had at Earl Warren Elementary School on October 18. Beginning at 8:00, lines of families showed up to attend our annual Pancake Breakfast, where they received a delicious breakfast of bacon, oranges, and, of course, the most wonderful and fluffy pancakes imag-inable…all cooked by the terrific team of volunteers from Fremont Presbyterian, headed by John Mott. Marilyn and Jim Rif-fel helped put together some door prizes, and another volunteer from Perry’s Gar-den Highway Gardens donated pumpkins to sell. All told, the event raised a little over $1000 to use for our 6th grade students to attend Sly Park next year. Thank you, Fre-mont!

Earl Warren Says Thanks!

Fremonters can start on GO Day early by:

Knitting for charity. SAVE THE DATE: Janu-ary 24, 2015, come join with other knitters to knit caps, squares for laprobes, or blan-kets for Linus project. More information will be coming in January.

Go...Go...Go Day Opportunity

FREMONT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Prayer MinistryFROM DYLAN TO TWAIN

Bob Dylan wrote “I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now.” Without realizing it, he touched on one of the keys to prayer. If you want to grow up in prayer, you have to grow down.

The essential nature of prayer is communication between a child and its father. The Biblical nature of prayer is such that childlikeness is one of the primary requirements for effective prayer. Prayer is the recognition that one is speaking to one’s heavenly Father. It has about it a lack of sophistication and slickness.

Childlikeness, at its heart, is a quality of trust. I know it is hard to trust, to relinquish control. But we need to learn to lean hard on God. I long for the faith, like that of my granddaughter, to lean forward on the edge of the swim-ming pool, absolutely knowing her daddy will catch her. She knows he will not drop her. Like a child, sometimes in life, we just have to lean forward and let go.

If you are childlike in prayer you can be presumptuous. I recall the story of little Billy who one day met a Catholic Cardinal and asked him his name. The Cardinal replied, “My name is Richard.” Months later as the Cardinal was leading a procession into a High Mass at a major cathedral in Boston, the little boy spotted him and shouted, “Rich-ard! Richard! It’s me, Billy!” That day Richard and Billy walked the aisle of the cathedral, hand in hand.

Childlikeness is shockingly honest. Children have this way of saying what they think. It includes telling God when, and where, it hurts. If you are quiet before you scream because you want to make sure there is someone to hear, you are primed for a more significant prayer life.

I believe our God is the God of the opposite. The world tells us to grow up. Jesus told people to grow “down.” When we start growing younger in prayer, Jesus will come. He just cannot resist hugging a kid with a dirty face.

Pray for the trust and faith of Mark Twain who proclaimed, “Faith is believing what you know ain’t so.”

The nicest place to be is in someone’s thoughts.The safest place to be is in someone’s prayers,and the very best place to be is....in the hands of God.

--Terry McDermott

9

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” (Jim Elliott)

The legacy of deceased Fremont member Charles Becker is one of giving. Though he died in 2000, Charles’ life continues to positively affect children and youth at Fremont, through-out Sacramento and beyond, through the establishment of a charitable foundation and series of trusts that fund programs to assist disadvantaged children and youth. Applications were reviewed by the Fremont Becker Grant Review Commit-tee, which made recommendations to the Becker Foundation Board of Directors. Grants totaling $100,000 were recently received by Fremont to distribute to the following programs and ministries:

$ 8,000 Mustard Seed School Support 7,500 Powerhouse Ministries Youth Camp Scholarships 5,000 Sacramento Downtown Young Life Camp Scholar-

ships5,000 Ride to Walk Therapeutic Horseback Program5,000 The Greenhouse – Del Paso Heights After-School Program4,000 The Grace Network – Human Trafficking Ministry4,000 Bridget’s Dream – Human Trafficking Ministry7,000 Nursery School Scholarships2,000 Music Camp Scholarships1,500 Summer Blitz Scholarships 500 TeamKID Scholarships

4,500 Jr. High Camp Scholarships8,000 High School Camp Scholarships

16,000 Fremont Becker College Scholarship Fund 14,000 Earl Warren School Enrichment Programs

3,000 Earl Warren School Family Health Fair5,000 Earl Warren School Music Program

In total, since its formation, the Foundation has awarded Fre-mont over $1,000,000 in grants for programs and ministries that benefit children and youth. What an incredible impact Charles continues to have on young people! You too can establish a living legacy by including Fremont in your will or charitable trust. Contact Mark Eshoff (452-7132 or mark@fremontpres.org) to find out more about the benefits of in-cluding Fremont in your estate plan.

“The less I spend on myself and the more I give to others, the fuller of happiness and blessing did my soul become.”

(Hudson Taylor)

Becker FoundationFREMONT GRANTS AWARDED

10 THE GRAPEVINE

EVERY THURSDAY

PRIME TIME: Call Jeanne Wallis at 397-8584

Prime Time!for Active Adults (55 +)

Fremont’s

PRIME TIME SCHEDULE: (Choose as much or as little of the day as you’d like.)

9:30 am Coffee, fellowship & board games begin

11:00 am Low-impact exercises in Ferguson Hall, a group walk or table games

11:45 am You provide your own sack lunch ($4.00 buys dessert and coffee) followed by more board games and occasional infor- mative and/or entertaining programs throughout the year.

Senior Moments!

DECEMBER SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES:4 Get Crafty for Christmas - led by Laurietta Parshll Bingo with Cheryl and David Freeman l8 Christmas Carol Sing-a-Long25 Christmas Day - Have a Blessed Christmas

LUNCHEON11:30 AM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10

FERGUSON HALL

FIRS• Friendship • Inspiration• Recreation • Service

Fremont members and friends are cordially invited to join FIRS in Ferguson Hall for a catered meal of baked ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans al-mondine, salads, Christmas cookies and ice cream. Our program will feature Fremont’s Saints Alive! choir presenting holiday music and a sing-a-long of favorite carols. FIRS officers will be installed for 2015. Sounds like a good time so don’t miss it! For reservations call Sandy Craig at 481-1138 before 7:00 pm on Sunday, December 7.

Alzheimer’s Cafe

Health Ministry’s

NEXT MEETING IS DECEMBER 11! Come, join us and be our guest at the ALZHEIMER’S CAFE OF SACRAMENTO. Food, fun, activities & music in Gene-va Room on the 2nd Thursday of the month: December 11th, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Questions? Call 594-9088.

Alternative Christmas Market This year’s Market was the best ever! Thank you, Fremont Family! The Short Term Missions account has been gener-ously supplemented and the organizations that participat-ed have been greatly encouraged. May those who receive your gifts be as blessed. As an aside, One World Fair Trade, our largest vendor, is offering free shipping to Fremont-ers through the end of this year. If you shop their on-line store, enter the code “FREEMONT” at check out and they will pay for the shipping, a holiday gift from them to us.

Staff Update We are sad to report that Jason Edge has decided not to return to work at Fremont. We have missed Jason over the last several months as he recovered from his auto ac-cident. Jason’s service at Fremont has been a blessing to many – staff, members, children and all facility users. He will be missed. Please pray for Jason, his family and his success as he moves into the next phase of his life. We wish him the very best.

FREMONT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 11

DATE: SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pmFee: $120 plus $60 materials fee. *Place: Fremont Presbyterian Church, 5770 Carlson Drive, Sacramento*Covers cost of parchment, 23 kt gold, and pigments.

Register by calling Ann: 916-705-2002 or by email: ann@annmariecampbell.com or Marianne Gonzales Sims: artbymarianne@yahoo.com.Most supplies will be provided, however, you will be asked to bring small items such as a water dish and more. This list will be provided following registration confirmation. Please join “ancient art” specialist and artist Ann Marie Campbell as she explains Medieval Christian theology and demonstrates Medieval painting techniques using precious powdered pig-ments mined from the earth, 23 kt gold gilding and goatskin parchment.

Christian monks of the Middle Ages rendered their sacred illu-minated images on the same prepared animal skins, and used the same pigments, egg tempera and 23 kt beaten gold as will be used in this workshop.

You will make your very own illuminated icon miniature on goatskin parchment using the same paints as those “Painted Prayers” of the Middle Ages, continuing the ancient tradition of “painted theology” of Sacred lconography.

This workshop is for any level of skill even if you have never painted! The process of Medieval painting is both for begin-ners and skilled artists. Workshop is hosted by Fremont Pres-byterian Church.

From the Bookkeeper

Can it be possible that 2014 is almost gone?!

Stock gifts are always welcome at any time, however, we need to know immediately who is giving what and to which account it is to be posted. Once you’ve talked with your broker, please notify either Carolyn Walden (carolyn@fremontpres.org) or John Walden (john@fremontpres.org). You may also reach either of them by calling the church office (452-7132).

CHECKS MUST BE POSTMARKED BY DECEMBER 31 (IRS RULES).

PLEASE SAVE AND CHECK CAREFULLY (WITH YOUR BANK STATEMENT) THE DETAILED GIV-ING STATEMENT YOU RECEIVE AFTER THE END OF NOVEMBER. In January you will re-ceive only a year-end summary of giving by category, not by date. Please be aware that no changes can be made after the 15th of January, because the books will be closed.

New offering envelopes will be available on the stage in Ferguson Hall possibly after wor-ship on December 28th, for sure on January 4th, then for the following 3 Sundays. If you do not find envelopes for your name and want to use them consistently, please sign the clipboard provided. They will be available the following Sunday.

Thank you for your continued faithfulness. Have a GREAT CHRISTMAS SEASON!

--Carolyn Walden, Giving Secretary

GIVING VIA TEXT IS NOW AVAILABLE! Too inconvenient to write a check? Want to respond immediately when you become aware of a need? Now you can support kingdom work at Fremont via text on your smart phone. Just text “Giving” to 56316 and give a gift to the General Fund. A credit or debit card number will be required. You may also set up a regular text account to help with your ongoing giving.

Your generosity becomes even easier! Just another way that technology can be useful for God’s glory in our changing culture. Text “Giving” to 56316

FREMONT FINANCIAL UPDATEYEAR-TO-DATE THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2014

ACTUAL BUDGET VARIANCETOTAL REVENUE $1,426,184 $1,471,632 ($45,448)TOTAL EXPENSE $1,532,780 $1,616,734 $83,954 SURPLUS(LOSS) ($106,596) ($145,102) $38,506

Thank you for your continued support of our mission!

12 THE GRAPEVINE

October Session MeetingThe Fremont Session held its monthly meeting on Octo-ber 28, 2014. Below are some action and informational items that might be of interest to the general congrega-tion. These notes are not intended to reflect the total work of the Session at the meeting. If you are interested in more information about a particular item, please con-tact any member of Session.

Prior to the meeting the Session met for their annu-al meeting with the Board of Deacons. Nelson Krouse, Moderator of the Board of Deacons, introduced the new officers for 2015. The Session heard reports from the Special Projects Committee, the Hospitality Committee, the Calling Committee, the Card and Grief Committee and the Communion Committee.

Elder Glen Thomas reported that the identified giving for September was the highest in the last ten years. If the projections are accurate and expenses are kept under control, we may be able to finish the year with a balanced budget.

The statement of General Fund Revenues and Expens-es for the month ending September 30, 2014, showed Revenues for September of $177,450 and Expenses for September of $155,005, giving a surplus of $22,455. The deficit for the year is $71,940.

Search Committees are in place for these positions (1) Faith Community Nurse, (2) Minister of Modern Music and Media, and (3) Director of Children’s Ministries. The proposed budget for 2015 was presented to the Session. The Stay the Course Budget is projected to be $2,012,833 for a 3.2% increase. The Challenge Budget is projected to be $2,290,893 for a 17.5% increase. The final budget will be determined at the January Session meeting.

FREMONT SINGLES’ FELLOW-SHIP IN DECEMBER

Fremont Singles meet the first Sunday of every month in CLC 201 at 12:30 pm. Contact Lora Harris at HarrisL1@sutterhealth.org

Dr. Burke was examined and approved as Fremont’s pas-tor at the EPC Presbytery of the Pacific meeting. He felt the questions showed a great concern for his well being as well as affirming his theology.

Mark Eshoff was elected the Moderator-Elect for the Presbytery of the Pacific. He will become Moderator in 2016. Fremont Presbyterian Church will host the May 2016 Presbytery meeting.

A new program of devotionals will be starting on Novem-ber 10. The devotionals will be a 2 minute video recording with Biblical content.

Elder Greg Hogan reported that three families have begun attending Fremont as a result of their children participat-ing in the High School Program

Elder Claude Vanderwold reported the Peacemaking of-fering was over $15,000. The final amount will be report-ed in November.

SESSION ACTIONS

Motion 7: Authorized David Pack to distribute elements in approved communion services.

Motion 8: Authorized Communion at the Session Leader-ship Retreat on November 9.

Motion 6: To show our appreciation for the dedicated Staff of Fremont Presbyterian Church, we as the Session approve the expenditure of up to $29,500 as a one-time appreciation bonus, to be charged to the general operat-ing fund. Funds are to be disbursed before Thanksgiving.

Clair Parsh, Clerk of Session.

Minister of Modern Music/Media CoordinatorVacant

Director of Sr. High MinistryLysle Spangler

Director of Jr. High MinistryJordan Skinner

Director of Children’s MinistryVacant

Coordinator of Member MinistryJessica Fengel

Outreach CoordinatorCate Williams

Executive SecretaryCathy Cole

OrganistPatricia Grimm

Administrative AssistantAmanda Jantz

Technical Ministries CoordinatorMike Mitchell

Memorial CoordinatorJeanne Wallis

Parish NurseVacant

Jr. High Program AssistantJonathan Shea

Children’s Program AssistantAngie Nevin

CLASS OF 2016Bobby Cobbs (Development)

Ann Bruce Davison (Member Care)

Jim Fish (Personnel)

Jeff Hightower (Specialized Ministries)

Greg Hogan (Student Ministries)

Childcare/Nursery DirectorTomiko Oden

Fremont Nursery School DirectorDu Willson

Publications CoordinatorBecky Lucero

Business ManagerJohn Walden

Facilities CoordinatorMelanie Andrews

Giving SecretaryCarolyn Walden

Accounting Clerk Linda Brown

CLASS OF 2016Skip BakerKaren BouletJared FisherDavid HonigschmidtPaul HughesAntoinette JonesTom MotterKathy NicholsBarbara Red-horseGail Way

CLASS OF 2014Brian BurchRobert CookLorrie DrottsNelson Krouse*Dan LeeTracey ListMary RutishauserJarrett TraskMargo WalcottJan Wilson

(*Moderator )Clair Parsh (Clerk of the Session)

CLASS OF 2015Diane BlokReye DiazShelley DiazLana ElhardtTana Kinder-EbersbergerHeather HansenJohn KabatekJulie NewcomerMarlin OgdenLuba Rich

The SeSSion

CLASS OF 2014Patti Dusel(Outreach)

Darlene Jantz(Music and Arts)

Linda Larson(Evangelism)

Skip Ohs(Spiritual Development)

Glen Thomas(Administration)

DeaconS

church STaff

13

CLASS OF 2015Bruce Ogden(Nominating)

Claude Vanderwold (Mission)

Rich Walcott(Worship Support)

Sheree Wong (Children’s Ministries)

Brian Wyatt (Adult Education)

Maintenance TechnicianMike Mitchell

CustodiansEduviguez GamesMike JeanBlanca LacayoEvan Polis

Bookstore ManagerKaren Brand

Coffee Bar ManagerKristen Maggitti

Pastor/Head of StaffDr. David Burke

Associate Pastor - Congregational Care & MissionDr. Daniel Willson

Executive MinisterMark Eshoff

Minister for Congregational & Community Life (Interim)David Pack

Minister of Music & Worship Arts Cheryl Eshoff

FREMONT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

PREPARING FOR ADVENTMany of us have traditions that we perform year after year in preparation for Advent. One of ours at Fremont is decorating the Sanctuary and CLC. There are bows to be fluffed, trees to be lit and garland to be hung to prepare our campus for this year’s concerts and worship services. We need help at the following times:

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, STARTING AT 6:30 PM, we will be un-packing boxes and assembling trees. Come early at 6 pm and enjoy some pizza and fellowship.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, FROM 9:00 AM TO 3:30 PM, decorate the church with a midday break for lunch (provided).

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 6:30 PM, we “strike the set,” repacking boxes and cleaning up. It takes a lot of hands to take everything down and pack it up in one short evening. If you can come in earlier during the day to begin removing lights, contact Vicki.

THE NARTHEX TREE – This large tree is our Christmas beacon (visible day and night.) We need some help decorating it. It would make a great service project for a small group. If you can help decorate this tree, let Vicki know. Please contact Vicki at 452-7132 or email vicki@fremontpres.org. Why not bring some friends and make decorating the church one of your Christmas traditions.

GIVE THE GIFT OF A POINSETTIA!Is there a special someone that you would like to hon-or or remember for the things they’ve done in your life? This Advent, consider purchasing a poinsettia in his or her name. There will be a listing of your tributes in the bulletin the Sunday before Christmas. Each $10 donation will be used to purchase Advent decorations for the campus. To order, fill out this form and return it to the church office by SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14.

I have enclosed $ ___________ ($10 each) for poin-settias. Make checks payable to Fremont Presbyteri-an Church (Please print or type all information).

In memory of:

In honor of:

Your name:

Phone:

visit us on the web: www.fremontpres.org PERIODICALS

5770 CARLSON DRIVESACRAMENTO, CA 95819

(916) 452-7132WWW.FREMONTPRES.ORG

THE GRAPEVINE: A newsletter published monthly by the Fremont Presbyterian Church, Sacramento, CA. Entered in the Sacramento, CA Post Office November 7, 1955, as periodicals under the Act of Congress of March 8, 1977.

FOR THE JANUARY ISSUE: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5

PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE

DEADLINE

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COOKIES ARE NEEDED! Cookies are needed for the re-ceptions following the Christmas Concerts on DECEMBER 12, 13, AND 14. Would you please bring three or four dozen cookies to the church office on FRIDAY, DECEM-BER 12? If you have questions, please call Patti Dusel (481-6812). Thank you for your help.

Sanctuary FlowersHonor the memory of a loved one with flowers in the Sanc-tuary on a Sunday morning. Remember someone special on a birthday or anniversary with flowers of celebration. Call Barbara Kennedy at 489-5665 to schedule a Sunday.