The Community of New Possibilities ‐ First Presbyterian Church, Encino Newsletter 

April 2014 The LinkThe LinkThe Link

From Dae’s Desk I am excited to celebrate our second Easter together. This season marks so much hope and infusion of new life in our faith journey. I couldn't have said it better than Ann Weems! So here it is. Please join our Easter Party! Come to the Easter Party I think on Easter morning we should throw confetti in church! No? What about a little fanfare? A deafening drum roll? A three minute standing ovation? What? Have we had the drums beaten out of us That we in the celebrative community can’t really Get excited about God’s aliveness? About God’s love given to us unconditionally? Have we given Easter to the lily bearers, the bunny rabbits, the patent leather shoes? Let’s face it: We live as though we don’t believe in Easter. We’re the crowd - easily swayed, easily scared, Easily calling for blood. We’re the good church people Who can’t believe Jesus meant love one another - Not all the one anothers, not drug addicts and criminals. We hate injustice when it’s injustice towards us; We love mercy when it’s mercy for us; We walk humbly with our God when it’s convenient. We’re Babe Believers who resist the resurrection; We’re Christmas Christians who are very good at Celebrating Christ’s birth. We can cling to the Babe. We’re even Crucifixion Christians, Agonizing, sympathizing, Relating to the Hero of the Cross. We can rock a baby; we can weep for a Dead Man; But what can we do with a 33-year old who won’t let the story end?

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Happy Birthday: 4/7 Cliff Olson 4/8 Judy Linse 4/8 Jacob Moore 4/10 Maggie McGhie 4/14 Marge Cooper 4/17 Teana Jackson 4/22 Marie Matteson  

Happy Anniversary: 4/6 Marge & Ken Cooper

 

Have we missed your birthday or anniversary?  Contact the Church Office to make sure you get added to our list!

Please Join Us!

You are invited to our

annual Easter Breakfast, hosted by the Deacons, on

Sunday, April 20th from 8:00 to 9:50 am in Fellowship Hall.

Worship is at 10:00 am in the Sanctuary.

The menu includes: Pancakes and Syrup

Bacon and Hard Boiled Eggs

Fruit, Juice, Coffee and Tea

A donation of $5 per

person or $20 for a family of four or more is

requested. Look for the basket!

All donations will be

shared equally between Rescate Family Rescue Center in Canoga Park

and The Board of Deacon’s Ministries.

Sermon and Anthem videos are available on our website and are uploaded every Monday!   

Check out our website and share the link with friends www.firstpresencino.org

From Dae’s Desk (cont’d) Easter scares us because we’re the people who can’t believe That God gives us abundant Life; We think we have to earn it. In our pull-yourself-up-by-your-own-bootstraps society It’s hard to remember that God doesn’t buy the self-made person. So we in the church spend our lives showing God What good people we are, What achievers we are, How much we deserve God’s love. We want to pay our own way, But Easter says it’s already been paid! Easter says, no matter how prodigal, We can go home again! So come to the Easter party! Let’s celebrate the amazing grace That in Christ’s resurrection We are still loved even at our most outrageous. The Lord has given us the music; all we need to do is dance! Come to the Easter party! © Ann Weems in “Reaching For Rainbows” Pastor Dae

Annual Easter

Breakfast

New Member/Inquirer Seminar  Are you interested in becoming a member of First Presbyterian, Encino? Do you have questions or want to learn more about the church? If so, join Pastor Dae on Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Fellowship Hall for a New Member/Inquirer Seminar. Lunch will be provided. Fore more information or to RSVP, please contact Pastor Dae (fpcedae@gmail.com) or 818-788-1147 x11.

Filled Plastic Eggs Needed 

On Easter Sunday we will have an Egg Hunt for children 10 and under following worship and Sunday School. The Christian Education Committee is collecting FILLED plastic eggs for the next few Sundays. Please do not include items which contain nuts or peanut butter. Remember stickers, erasers, small toys, even coins make great treasures to hide in the eggs. There will be a large basket in Fellowship Hall to receive the eggs over the next few weeks.

Thank You from the Mission Committee …   The Mission Committee would like to thank everyone who donates to the Mission 1-2-3 Offering. Since January 2014, we have collected a total of $164. Your donations support the ministry and mission of Rev. Sarah Henken in the Andean Region of South America. The Presbyterian Church USA engages in Third World Mission projects of which this is one. We learned so much about her calling when she spoke in 2013, so the Mission Committee will arrange for her to visit FPCE when she visits Los Angeles again.

Session Notes The Session met on Tuesday, March 25 at 7:00 p.m. A devotion was offered by Kendall Marr regarding a review of why we are part of this church and part of Session. He went over the importance of the Apostle’s Creed and the elders were included in the consideration of the importance of this Creed. Session went over committee reports: Property and Finance: Went over the February minutes, spoke about the income coming in from the Property Development funds which may need to be used for flooring and roof repair. Also P&F is beginning to draft an investment guideline for these funds to gain higher investment returns. Personnel: Staff are being reviewed at this time of year. Worship and Music: Session had a discussion about the importance of communion and Dae will continue to offer an open table invitation during the sacrament of communion. Ash Wednesday services were well attended with 28 people coming for either the noon or 7:00 pm service. The Rev. Dayro Aranzalez from Colombia will be preaching on April 27th. Christian Education: Urban Disciples is happening this June! The invitation to Presbiterio Central in Colombia to have 4 young adults attend has been made. Space considerations are happening for classrooms as our Sunday School classes are expanding. Deacons made a presentation regarding the positive retreat they had led by Brittany. They are also in charge of the Easter breakfast. Mission: Many projects are in the making. April is Child Abuse Prevention month and DCFS Children’s Social Workers have been invited to attend. Rescate Family Rescue Center is producing a video. The Session approved that this information be made known to the congregation for those who would like to assist with this goal. Session ended at 8:45 pm with prayer offered by Betsy Lindsay. The next Session meeting will be on April 23rd at 7:00 pm. Submitted by Elder Ruth Mandernach

Deacon’s Dittos The Board of Deacons has often been referred to as the caring arm of the church. In February the Deacons cared in many ways. Ten persons received birthday, anniversary or thinking of you cards. - Flowers were delivered to homebound members. - The prayer tree reported 20 requests from persons for prayers. - Several Deacons volunteered to be in touch with persons who have not been seen participating in worship or other church activities and to report their findings at the next meeting, so we may be of assistance if needed.

- Volunteers delivered our food offerings each Sunday to Rescate on Monday - Volunteers also pack food bags for the North Hollywood Food Pantry at Temple Beth Hillel each Monday.

Discussion was held regarding ideas for fellowship. Deacons will sponsor a pancake breakfast Easter morning and a BBQ in the patio following worship on Pentecost Sunday. Did you know??? The Deacons are also responsible for:

- Communion preparation set-up and clean-up - Transporting those unable to drive to appointments, Drs. visits, etc.

- Preparing meals to shut-in and others who might need help with this following surgery, illness, etc. Your Board of Deacons is here to assist in whatever way they can. They however, can’t be of help, if they don’t know your need. Once again, Amber in the church office is our link to you. Submitted by Deacon Lynne Jackson

A Note from the Rescate Family Rescue Center

Each month, Rescate totals the number of individuals

who we serve.

In January, we served 458 families. This includes 820 adults, 592 children and 79 homeless individuals. 38

families were new to Family Rescue Center.

In February, we served 403

families of which 40 are new to Family Rescue Center.

This includes 699 adults, 505 children and 75 homeless

individuals.

Family Rescue Center is very thankful and blessed by the generosity of Encino First

Presbyterian Church! Your donations of food and

clothing allow us to continue serving the families who

come to Rescate.

Coffee Hour Refreshments 

Would you consider providing food for Coffee Hour one Sunday?

Sunday, April 27 is available

Finger foods, pastries, fruit, veggies or your favorite dish are appreciated and enjoyed as we fellowship after worship.

Sign-up on Sunday morning in Fellowship Hall or call the Church Office.

Floral Arrangements for Sunday Worship 

Sunday, April 27 is available

If you would like to sign up to donate flowers for a Sunday worship service, visit the flower calendar in Fellowship Hall or contact the Church Office. Flowers are $45 for each Sunday and may be taken home after worship or donated to the Deacons to be delivered to homebound members. You may choose what colors you would like and you will be acknowledged with a dedication of your choice in the bulletin.

One Great Hour of Sharing Offering  FAITH ENDURES “Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts.” Romans 5:5 – This is the

theme for this year’s ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING CAMPAIGN

When you give to ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING you are assisting in the empowerment of others as they move past emotional, physical, and spiritual misfortune. (through the Presbyterian Self-

Development of People Program). You are also helping to rebuild hope after a disaster (through the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Program) and to be a garden of hope to those who are hungry (through the Presbyterian Hunger Program). Please count your blessings and respond by supporting ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING. This offering will be dedicated on Palm

Sunday, April 13. Envelopes are available in your pew rack.

Become a Coffee Sponsor 

April, May, June, July, August, September,

October, November & December

are available for anyone who would like to

provide a month of Equal

Exchange Fairly Traded coffee for Coffee Hour

Sign up at the coffee table in Fellowship Hall. Each month is $30 and you will be acknowledged with

an announcement in the weekly bulletin and monthly newsletter.

There is some wonderful choral music planned during the Lenten and Easter season in April.

You won’t want to miss this! On Palm Sunday, April 13, the Chancel Choir’s musical presentation will be during the sermon portion of the worship service at 10 a.m. This presentation will include three choral anthems and appropriate scripture texts from the lectionary for Palm Sunday. The first anthem is an upbeat, rockin’ gospel piece called, “Praise-a The Lord,” and includes an incredible solo by tenor Remedios Loosli. This piece will have some congregation and choir-interactive sections, which include waving palm branches and shouting praises like “Hosanna!” and “Ride on King Jesus!” Yes, that happens at specific times during the anthem! The second piece in our presentation is a more introspective anthem, “A Covenant Prayer,” with the text capturing the inward struggle of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, and our own human struggles we face each and every day. And the third and last piece in our presentation is a beautiful arrangement of “Abide With Me,” featuring Dr. Paul Pitman on the piano. The comforting and assuring words of this text, “O Thou who changest not, abide with me,” help to lead us through the grief of Holy Week, and into the joy of Easter morning! On Sunday, April 20, we will welcome three brass musicians (Erick Jovell, trumpet, Louise MacGillivray, and Ruth Mandernach, trombone) during our Easter worship service at 10 a.m. The brilliant (and high) notes from the brass help to capture the excitement, joy, and wonder of Easter morning. The piccolo trumpeter Erick Jovell will be featured during the prelude, offertory, and postlude, accompanied by Dr. Paul Pitman. The chancel choir will be singing three anthems accompanied by brass, organ, and piano during the worship service, “Resurrection Alleluia,” “I Will Rise,” and lastly the “Hallelujah Chorus, from Messiah.” During the “Hallelujah Chorus,” any interested singers, friends and visitors in the congregation are invited to come up to the chancel and sing along with the choir, brass, and organ. You won’t want to miss this Easter celebration!

From the Choir Director

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1

2:30-3:30 JAM (Jesus And Me) for Preschool, KZ

2 9:10 Children’s Center Chapel, FH 11:00 Staff Meeting, FH 7:00 Good Shepherd Persian Church Bible Study, FH

3 7:30 Choir Rehearsal, Sanc.

4 5 9a-3p Children’s Center Family Fun Day, FH & Play Yard

6 9:00 Choir Rehearsal 10:00 Worship with Communion 10:15 Sunday School 11:15 Sermon Talkback, FH 11:30 Adult Discussion Forum, FH 11:30 Deacons Meeting, FH 1:30 Good Shepherd Church Worship

COMMUNION

7 11:00 North Hollywood Food Pantry 12:00 Angel Circle Women’s Bible Study, FH 7:00 Valley Harmony Singers Rehearsal, KZ 7:15 Recovery Group, Rm. 204

8 4-6 Stage Right Productions Children’s Theatre, FH 7:00 Property and Finance Meeting, FH

9 11a-10p Children’s Center CPK Tarzana, Fundraiser 7:00 Good Shepherd Persian Church Bible Study, FH 7:30 Valley Harmony Singers Board Meeting, BR

10 6:30 Worship & Music Comm. Meeting, Pastor’s Office 7:30 Choir Rehearsal, Sanc.

11

12 10a-12p New Member/Inquirer’s Seminar & Lunch, FH

13 9:00 Choir Rehearsal 10:00 Worship NO SUNDAY SCHOOL 11:15 Sermon Talkback, FH 11:30 Adult Discussion Forum, FH 1:30 Good Shepherd Church Worship

CHOIR MUSICAL PRESENTATION PALM SUNDAY

14 11:00 North Hollywood Food Pantry 6-7 Cub Scouts, FH 7:00 Valley Harmony Singers Rehearsal, KZ 7:15 Recovery Group, Rm. 204 7:30 PAX Circle Women’s Bible Study, Tollis Zuber’s Home

15 2-3 JAM (Jesus And Me) for K-5th Grade, FH

16 7:00 Good Shepherd Persian Church Bible Study, FH 7:30 Choir Rehearsal, Sanc.

17 6:30 Maundy Thursday Supper & Worship, FH

MAUNDY THURSDAY/

COMMUNION

18 12:00 Good Friday Worship GOOD FRIDAY

SCHOOL CLOSED/CHURCH

OFFICE CLOSES AT 12 NOON

19

20 8-10 Pancake Breakfast 8:30 Choir Rehearsal 10:00 Worship 10:15 Sunday School 11:15 Easter Egg Hunt 11:30 Adult Discussion Forum, FH 1:30 Good Shepherd Church Worship

EASTER SUNDAY

21 11:00 North Hollywood Food Pantry 7:00 Valley Harmony Singers Rehearsal, KZ 7:15 Recovery Group, Rm. 204

22

23 7:00 Session, FH 7:00 Good Shepherd Persian Church Bible Study, KZ

24 7:30 Choir Rehearsal, Sanc.

25

26

27 8:30 Mission Meeting, FH 9:00 Choir Rehearsal 10:00 Worship 10:15 Sunday School 11:30 Adult Discussion Forum, FH 1:30 Good Shepherd Church Worship

28 11:00 North Hollywood Food Pantry 6:30 Cub Scouts, FH 7:00 Valley Harmony Singers Rehearsal, KZ 7:15 Recovery Group, Rm. 204

29

30 7:00 Good Shepherd Persian Church Bible Study, FH

April 2014

Sunday Mornings April 6 - Communion Worship: Rev. Dae Jung, preaching Liturgist: Justin Lawrence Media: Mark Minor Greeter/Guest Book: Marissa Minor Ushers: Lynne Holtz, Jeremy & Jody Lawrence Communion Servers: Sherrill Herring, Jessica Lesko, Lianne & Kendall Marr Coffee Hour Snacks: Judy Linse & Mark Minor April 13 - Palm Sunday/Choir Musical Presentation Liturgist: Cliff Olson Media: Jeremy Lawrence Greeter/Guest Book: Marguerite Minor Ushers: Sara Coyle, Larry Jackson, Bill Mandernach, Sally Vandenburg Coffee Hour Snacks: Joy Hogley

April 20 - Easter Sunday/Pancake Breakfast Worship: Rev. Dae Jung, preaching Liturgist: Ruth Mandernach Media: TBD Greeter/Guest Book: TBD Ushers: Ken Cooper, Kay Lawrence, Betsy Lindsay Coffee Hour Snacks: Not Needed/Pancake Breakfast April 27 Worship: Rev. Dayro Aranzalez, preaching Liturgist: Kay Lawrence Media: Sonya Daugherty Greeter/Guest Book: Judy Linse & Mark Minor Ushers: Lynne Holtz, Jeremy & Jody Lawrence Coffee Hour Snacks: Available

Rev. Dae Jung Pastor FPCEdae@gmail.com  Amber Guzman Office Administrator FPCEamber@gmail.com  Gina Koehn Bookkeeper FPCEgina@gmail.com  The Community of New Possibilities First Presbyterian Church, Encino 4963 Balboa Boulevard Encino, CA 91316 Phone:  818 788‐1147 Fax:  818 788‐1202 Email: FPCEinfo@gmail.com 

We’re on the web! www.FirstPresEncino.org

www.Facebook.com/Encino.Pres

The Community of New Possibilities First Presbyterian Church 4963 Balboa Boulevard Encino, CA 91316 

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WOMEN’S RETREAT – ORDER, CHAOS AND GRATITUDE A Weekend Exploring the Psalms – May 16-18, 2014

The weekend begins with dinner on Friday, May 16th at 6 p.m. at Casa de Maria in Montecito (near Santa Barbara), and concludes Sunday morning, May 18th after worship. The cost of the weekend

is $250. The cost includes overnight accommodations, five meals, meeting space, leadership supplies and honorarium. Leadership will be in the capable hands of Jessica Lesko, Amy

Klinkovsky and Janelle Vaughan. The registration fee should be made payable to First Presbyterian Church with the notation “Women’s Retreat” and given to bookkeeper Gina Koehn. It is possible to

attend on Saturday only. Please see Lynne Jackson regarding details and costs.