Volume 24 October-November 2017 Number 5

St. Andrew Community Presbyterian Church has taken a major step in the pastor recruitment process by approving a Pastoral Nominating Committee (PNC).

Serving on the PNC are Joy Barron, Diane Burke, Frank Cassity, Joe Hamner, Wanda Wise-Latta, Chris Mahr, Stephen Perdue and Sue Steding.

The PNC slate was approved by St. Andrew members in a vote by ballot at the congregational meeting following the Sept. 10 worship service.

The PNC already has met to de-cide meeting dates and elect officers. Elected were Frank Cassity, chair-man; Sue Steding, vice chairman, and Joy Barron, recording secretary. They also met with the Rev. Sara McGurdy, the PNC’s liaison with the Riverside Presbytery. She will guide the PNC in its work.

The St. Andrew Nominating Committee recommended to the con-gregation approval of the PNC slate, which the Session approved Aug. 15.

The Nominating Committee came up with the PNC slate following weeks of vetting potential candidates for qualities needed to serve on the PNC, said Elder Barbara Park, Nominating Committee chair.

Those selected represent the di-versity of the congregation in such ar-eas as age, background and years as St. Andrew members, Barbara said. They are active in the church and able to as-sume additional responsibility. Also considered were their computer skills, leadership ability, dependability, spiri-tual maturity, and integrity.

Keeping a spiritual focus, the Nominating Committee agreed that the

purpose of the pastoral search process is to seek who God is already raising up to be St. Andrew’s pastor.

At the congregational meeting, there were no nominations from the floor for the PNC slate. The final vote was 47 in favor of the slate and none opposed.

Rev. McGurdy could not attend the congregational meeting, but at-tending on her behalf was Anne Smith from the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry who explained some of the PNC’s responsibilities and the pastor selection process. The process usually takes 12 to 18 months, she said.

Pastor Nominating Committee approved

St. Andrew members and friends enjoy the church’s historic annual ice cream social.

A long-time St. Andrew tradition that just about everyone in the congrega-tion looks forward to is fast approaching—the Women’s Association’s annual Ice Cream Social. It’s scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, in the fellowship hall.

To make it as successful an event as in years past, the women need help from St. Andrew members and friends. They’re looking for people to help make pie crust dough on Tuesday, Oct. 24, beginning at 9 a.m., and to make pies on Wednesday, Oct. 25, starting at 8:30 a.m. Then on the day of the Ice Cream Social, they need people to help set up at 3:30 p.m. and to serve from 5 to 6 p.m. or 6 to 7 p.m. And, of course, people are needed to clean up. Also, requested are donations of baked goods and ice cream (homemade if possible).

If you can assist in any way contact Betty Morgin, 760-200-4355; Merlyn Hamner, 760-398-5713, or Esther Mae Ellis, 760-775-7593.

This is a busy time of the year for the women. Also on their calendar:

Help needed for Ice Cream Social in October

(Continued on page 2. )

Page 2 October-November 2017 Volume 24, Number 5

Volume 24 October-November 2017 Number 5.Published bimonthly for the congregation and

friends of St. Andrew Community Presbyterian Church

47-192 Monroe St.Indio, CA 92201

Church office: (760) 347-5344Fax: (760) 347-1084

E-mail: standrewindio@gmail.comWeb site: www.standrewindio.org

www.facebook.com/StAndrewIndioDeadline: 15th of Jan., March, May, July, Sept.

& Nov.Letters and articles can be e-mailed to dcmahr@

msn.comthe Rev. Julie Hodges, pastorBob Bruce, office manager

Polly Schiff, director of musicMay LeRoy, pianist

Karen Luoto, director of bell choirsDesi Coulson & Joe Hamner, youth directors

Jeff DeBeck, custodianElders on Session:

Diana Benitez, Finance & Stewardship chair; Joe Hamner; Criss Kiefer, Worship & Music

chair; Carol Kocherhans, Mission & Evangelism chair; Chris Mahr, Clerk of Session; Susan McCormick, Outreach & Fellowship chair; Barbara Park, Personnel & Administration chair; Sue Steding, Christian Education &

Spiritual Development chair; and Steve Stiles, Building & Grounds chair

Board of Deacons: Josh Armendariz; Malinda Becerra, secretary; Diane Burke; Merlyn

Hamner; Dennis Mahr, vice moderator; Betty Morgin; Patti Rosales, treasurer; Wanda Wise-

Latta, moderator.Corporate officers: Barbara Park, president; Joe Hamner, vice president; Chris Mahr, secretary &

Steve Stiles, treasurerWorship schedule: worship service and Sunday

School, 9:30 a.m.Office hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. T-Th

Editors: Dennis & Chris MahrReporters: the congregation

Mailing staff: Diane Barrie, Diana Benitez, Diane Carter, Frank & Judy Cassity, Jeff & Annie DeBeck, Pat Laflin, Mary Lois Long, Chris Mahr

& Susan McCormick

August beginning balance ................................................ $14,228Income ................................................................................ $15,287Expense .............................................................................. $20,916August ending balance ....................................................... $9,286Deacons August beginning balance .................................. $1,499Income ....................................................................................... $70Expense ....................................................................................... $0August ending balance ....................................................... $1,569

This fall, we are looking in depth at the letter of Paul to the Philippian church. He begins his letter, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy….” These words were true for him, and they hold for me as well. I thank the Lord for our partnership in the gospel, as God has called me to walk with St. Andrew Community for this season of growth and promise! We see signs of budding life everywhere: in growing attendance, in our Christian Education program this fall, in our Youth Group fellowship,

in the outreach goals we have to be present in our community, in the vibrant choir, in steady financial support, and in each of

you, as you grow in faith. I believe it is an exciting season for

St. Andrew.Now

that the congregation has elected

a PNC, your long-range goals that were articulated in

the Mission Assessment Plan last fall can be re-articulated as you look for your permanent pastor. My prayers continue with all of you for God’s sovereign guidance in this.

I ask that you continue to pray that each of us would continue to take

seriously the call to be witness in all we say and do, of the gospel’s good news. May we be a church family that upholds the message of grace and forgiveness in Jesus Christ, to a world in search of really good news.

Always in Christ,Pastor Julie

—The enchilada sale. Merlyn and Betty will meet at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, to make enchilada sauce. They could use help from two or three more people. On Friday, they will need more help to make the enchiladas starting at 8:30 a.m.

—The Christmas Bake Sale on Sunday, Dec. 10, after the worship service. The women are asking for donations of all types of baked goods.

—Selling fair tickets. The office will have Date Festival tickets for people to sell.The proceeds from these various projects will be used to purchase kitchen sup-

plies such as coffee, paper goods and cleaning supplies. The Women’s Association also pays dues to the National Mission and to the Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery and Synod.

(Continued from page 1.)

Women seek help for seasonal fund raisers

Volume 24, Number 5 October-November 2017 Page 3

A number of St. Andrew members and friends traveled this summer—some to faraway destinations.

Among them were Joe and Diana Benitez who went to Hong Kong

Island—Parkview Hong Kong with Trayci Dahl, Mike Berger (Trayci’s husband) and Nevada Dahl, 11. They were gone a month.

The reason for the trip was Nevada’s acceptance to The Center for Talented Youth offered through Johns Hopkins University in Hong Kong. She took a writing and imagination course during which she composed poetry and short stories. “She made friends and fit in even though she was the only redhead there,” Diana said. “It was amazing to see all the children interacting.”

While she was in school, Joe and Diana did a lot of sightseeing. They visited Lantau Island famous for Tiam Tan Budda, the Wisdom Path and a 25-minute ride aboard a tram with a glass bottom.

They also went to Lamma Island where there were no cars, only bikes for transportation.

home, Joe and I went to San Diego for two weeks for R and R,” Diana said.

Also leaving the country for a vacation were Thomas and Barbara Park who traveled to Scotland and England. Here is Barbara’s account of some of the highlights of their trip.

“We spent four nights in London at the St. Ermins Hotel, which was originally built in 1888 as apartments, right in the center of everything we wanted to see.

“We walked everywhere. Toured Buckingham Palace as the queen was in Scotland for the summer; now we want to compare the White House to Buckingham Palace. Of course, the history of the palace goes back to paintings from 1100. Don’t expect that in the White House! We saw Big Ben and heard the bells toll for the last time before closing down for maintenance for four years. We walked through Harrods without being tempted to actually shop. Got to experience a cruise down the Themes; tour the London Tower, which actually consists of four towers; tour St. Paul’s Cathedral where Prince Charles and Princess Diana were married; tour Westminster Abbey where Prince William and Kate married; walk the grounds of Kensington Castle where the grass still has not grown back from 20 years ago when people left flowers and memorabilia for Diana after her death.

“We took the rail to York where Thomas’ brother Ronnie lives. All the family including Ronnie’s wife Helena, daughter Fiona, daughter Jennifer and her husband John and 20-year-old son Dominic came to our hotel. Jenny and John’s 24-year-old daughter Jasmine was traveling in the states but we face-talked. We all went to a Vikings show the next day, and dinner at night.

“Driving to Glasgow, we stopped in Gretna Green, which has a long history of underage people being able to marry legally. Thomas’ Uncle Frank who is five years older than

They visited a lot of temples including Repulse Bay, one of the biggest. “(Temples) were everywhere,” Diana said. They also went to the Maritime Museum and Victoria Peak where they could see the entire island. Diana added, “We all spent a weekend in Macau—it is like

Las Vegas. We all went on a JUNK boat around Victoria Harbor.”

One of the things that impressed Joe and Diana the most was the lushness of the island. “But then it rained almost every day,” Diana said. They also were impressed by the art on display all around the island. “Just at our apartment, there was art from the Bronze Age, contemporary Chinese

and international art.“Joe and I continued our practice

of having a massage every other week,” Diana said. “The masseuse asked Joe if he was a movie star.” The trip was memorable but long. “After returning

(Continued on page 5.)

Page 4 October-November 2017 Volume 24, Number 5

St. Andrew family members in need of prayer for guidance, healing and strength.

Avice BeetlerJoe Benitez

Katie DaLuisoAnnie & Jeff DeBeck

Matthew EllisMillie Fernquist

John Hale

BirthdaysOct. 3 Del BoyerOct. 7 Cheryl SevierOct. 8 Christine MahrOct. 18 Rosann MorrisOct. 22 Ashley Ahrens Merlyn HamnerOct. 27 Scott Coulson, Jr.Nov. 5 Michael ThornburghNov. 10 Frank CassityNov. 12 Virginia JohnsonNov. 15 Jessica Gutierrez Jessie GutierrezNov. 18 Judy PattersonNov. 27 Barbara CousinsNov. 29 Sue Gates

AnniversariesOct. 7 Criss & Ronald KieferOct. 13 Ludivina & Hector ContrerasOct. 26 Mary & Mark AhrensNov. 20 Desiree & Scott Coulson, Jr.Nov. 22 Anne & Jeffery DeBeckNov. 24 Diane & Steven Speer

If a birth date or anniversary isn’t listed, the church doesn’t have it in the computer. Office staff asks that those people call to up-date their records.

Virginia JohnsonCharlotte Kline

Latta familyEdie LawrenceJoe Nicholson

Melba Scarborough

Cheryl SevierBev Watson

Persons with prayer requests or who would like to become part of the prayer chain ministry should call Merlyn Hamner, 398-5713.

Recurring Sunday schedule

9:30 a.m.: Worship10:30 a.m.: Fellowship

& coffeeSunday, Oct. 1

Communion11 a.m.: Bible study

Monday, Oct. 211 a.m.: Bridge Club3:30 p.m.: Men’s Bible study

Tuesday, Oct. 310 a.m.: Worship Committee11 a.m.: Bridge Club3 p.m.: Christian Education

CommitteeThursday, Oct. 5

7 a.m.: Community Bible studySunday, Oct. 8

11 a.m.: Bible study4 p.m.: Youth group

Monday, Oct. 911 a.m.: Bridge Club3:30 p.m.: Men’s Bible study

Tuesday, Oct. 109 a.m.: Classical Conversations11 a.m.: Bridge Club4 p.m.: Mission Committee

Wednesday, Oct. 119:30 a.m.: Women’s Bible study5:30 p.m.: Soup supper & Bible study

Thursday, Oct. 127 a.m.: Community Bible study

Sunday, Oct. 1511 a.m.: Bible Study

Monday, Oct. 1611 a.m.: Bridge Club

3:30 p.m.: Men’s Bible study

Tuesday, Oct. 179 a.m.: Classical

Conversations11 a.m.: Bridge Club6:30 p.m.: Session

Wednesday, Oct. 189:30 a.m.: Women’s Bible study5:30 p.m.: Soup supper & Bible study

Thursday, Oct. 197 a.m.: Community Bible study

Sunday, Oct. 22October birthdays are asked to con-

tribute $1/year to sound system.Monday, Oct. 23

Pastor on leave11 a.m.: Bridge Club3:30 p.m.: Men’s Bible study

Tuesday, Oct. 24Pastor on leave9 a.m.: Classical Conversations11 a.m.: Bridge Club

Wednesday, Oct. 25Pastor on leave2 p.m.: Outreach Committee5:30 p.m.: Soup supper Bible study

Thursday, Oct. 26Pastor on leave

Sunday, Oct. 2910:30 a.m.: Potluck luncheon

Monday, Oct. 3011 a.m.: Bridge3:30 p.m.: Men’s Bible study

Tuesday, Oct. 319 a.m.: Classical Conversations11 a.m.: Bridge Club

Volume 24, Number 5 October-November 2017 Page 5

Notes from the choir loft We begin anew

with another season of music, singing, ringing, and bringing joy to our congregation!

I hope you are as excited about this as I am writing about it. I have planned music through the Christmas season, and the choir has just had our annual “retreat” in the choir loft. Fortunately, the weather was not too hot and we put on our choir robes to begin our season.

I always look forward to this time of year as a time of renewal as I prepare music for the choir to sing. I spend the summer going through lots of music and try to pick just the right anthems to fit each Sunday. As you probably know the choir rehearses at 8 a.m. on Sunday morning. This alleviates the need to have a rehearsal on a week night.

I recently attended a conference with other music directors. During one of the discussions we talked about Changes/Transitions/Passages of today’s churches and music programs. We can’t escape the changes nor can we ignore the issues created by

those changes. Our choir and our church experience changes and transitions. People come, people go, music changes, congregations change, personnel changes. Our choir/church community is all about change—never standing still. That is our challenge as God calls us to move forward in faith.

We celebrate and give thanks to God for the abundance of gifts and musical talents he has showered upon this church and this choir. We look

forward to raising hymns of praise and thanks as we embark on this new year of music ministry through words and music.

If you have any questions, please give me a call or see me after church. We are hopeful to increase our choir member numbers for the next season. We are blessed by having this musical experience here at St. Andrew and look forward to more in the coming season.

—Polly Schiff, Director of Music

Recurring Sunday schedule9:30 a.m.:

Worship10:30 a.m.:

Fellowship & coffeeWednesday, Nov. 1

9:30 a.m.: Women’s Bible study5:30 p.m.: Soup supper & Bible study

Tuesday, Nov. 27 a.m.: Community Bible Study

Sunday, Nov. 5Communion

Monday, Nov. 6Office open11 a.m.: Bridge3:30 p.m.: Men’s Bible study

Tuesday, Nov. 79 a.m.: Classical Conversations11 a.m.: Bridge4 p.m.: Mission Committee

Wednesday, Nov. 89:30 a.m.: Women’s Bible Study5:30 p.m.: Soup supper & Bible study

Thursday, Nov. 9Office closed7 a.m.: Community Bible study

Sunday, Nov. 129:30 a.m.: Picnic service in park4 p.m.: Youth group

Monday, Nov. 1311 a.m.: Bridge3:30 p.m.: Men’s Bible Study4 p.m.: Delta Mu

Tuesday, Nov. 149 a.m.: Classical Conversations11 a.m.: Bridge4 p.m.: Mission

CommitteeWednesday, Nov. 15

9:30 a.m.: Women’s Bible study5 p.m.: Messenger deadline5:30 p.m.: Soup supper & Bible study

Monday, Nov. 20Office open11 a.m.: Bridge Club3:30 p.m.: Men’s Bible Study

Tuesday, Nov. 2111 a.m.: Bridge Club6:30 p.m.: Session

Wednesday, Nov. 229:30 a.m.: Women’s Bible study2 p.m.: Outreach Committee7 p.m.: Deacons

Thursday, Nov. 23Thanksgiving Day, office closed

Sunday, Nov. 26November birthdays are asked to con-

tribute $1/year to sound system.Monday, Nov. 27

11 a.m.: Bridge Club3:30 p.m.: Men’s Bible Study

Tuesday, Nov. 2811 a.m.: Bridge Club

Thursday, Nov. 307 a.m.: Community Bible studyUnless otherwise noted, all calendar activities are at the church. “Call” indi-cates location was not announced.

Thomas, hosted us at his Senior Living residence until Thomas’ daughter and her family joined us in Glasgow at the Marriott. Again, reunited with cousins and their children. We attended a United Reformed Church, and spent a day driving out to Loch Lomond and St. Andrew Golf Course. No opportunity to golf as reservations are made a year in advance. Had a memorable time walking the streets and finding Thomas’ old stomping grounds. Grandsons, ages 22 and 23,

(Continued from page 3.)

(Continued on page 6.)

Page 6 October-November 2017 Volume 24, Number 5

on p

first in a series by Pat Laflin, Historian

Nov. 30, 2017, marks the 115th anniversary of the chartering of the Presbyterian Church of Coachella, the predecessor of St. Andrew Community Presbyterian Church. St. Andrew church stands as a silent tribute to a small, courageous band of men and women who, in 1902 said, “This valley needs a church.”

At that time, Coachella was the center of population and activity in this sparsely settled valley. Roads were san-dy stretches through the dunes, neigh-bors few and far between, telephones unknown, and automobiles a novelty. But, there was enthusiasm to bridge the distances and determination to further God’s Kingdom and there was Faith—faith that their dream of a church home in this hot, dusty valley would be pos-sible with God’s help.

The first religious services were held in a store building on Front Street (now Grapefruit Boulevard), and in homes (often tents). Sunday School was held in the home of Susan McDonald. Most of the original group were Methodists, but the Methodist Conference didn’t think much of the prospects for a viable church in this desert area and would

only send a minister if the church would be self-supporting.

In 1902 Los Angeles Presbytery had just sponsored the formation of Riverside Presbytery and the new pres-bytery had made, as one of its first ac-tions, the decision to sponsor a Mission church in the Coachella Valley. The local group was jubilant. On Nov. 30, 1902, Dr. W.B. Noble, Synod Missionary, pre-sided at the formal organization of the Presbyterian Church of Coachella, with 18 charter members. It was the first main-line Protestant church in the val-ley. The first pastor was the Reverend Albert Dilworth of Palestine, Ohio. After him, each minister, sent out by the Board of Missions, stayed only one year. The dust, unending summer heat and primitive living conditions were too much for them.

The church met for services in the school, a wooden structure designed and built by one of the charter mem-bers, Charles McDonald. In 1908 the first church building was erected at the corner of Seventh and Orchard Streets. It occupied the lawn area in front of

the second building (which is now the Coachella City Library). Fire, the scourge of all of the valley’s early towns, destroyed that building and it was re-built on the back of the same lot.

On March 3, 1918, the congrega-tion voted to “cut loose from the Home Missionary Board and try to carry our own costs of minister’s salary and church work. To do this will call for the active support of all those who are in-terested in the maintenance of the work done by the Coachella Church.” It was a great leap of faith.

The story of how this original church became St. Andrew church will be told in subsequent articles.

115 years of Presbyterian Witness in Coachella Valley

Thanks to the generosity of members and friends of the congregation, we were able to donate over 100 jars of peanut butter/jelly to the USO (United Service Organization) at the Palm Springs airport. Needless to say, we will make many of our armed service troops very happy (perhaps they don’t serve pb&j sandwiches in Iraq or Afghanistan).

Our Gift of the Month for September has been collecting socks (all sizes, colors and varieties) for the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission. Thank you for contributing.

We will again support the Operation Christmas Child program in October/November.

So, grab a shoebox and take a trip to the Dollar Tree (or any store) and fill the box with items that will enchant the young people between the ages of 4 and 16 who will receive your blessings. Thank you in advance for participating in this international event.

Also, please continue to pray for our missionaries in the Middle East as they minister to those who don’t know you and are suffering from massive floods.

—by Carol Kocherhans

were enthralled by joining Thomas at a pub he went to when he was their age.

“This was an incredible trip, reuniting with so much family in Scotland, and being able to bond with our grandsons as adults.”

Priscilla Ramsey, a former congregation member, needs a large, used recliner. If you know of one, please contact Barbara Cousins.

—by Chris Mahr

(Continued from page 5.)

As the fall season gets under way at St. Andrew, a number of Adult Education opportunities are available along with Sunday School for children. They include:

—Sunday Morning Adult Education at 11 a.m. now through Oct. 15, featuring a series entitled, “A Clash of Kingdoms: Paul Proclaims Jesus as Lord,” by Bible Professor Ray Vander Laan. The series compliments Pastor Julie’s preaching in Philippians for sev-eral weeks.

—Wednesday Night Soup/Supper Class for six weeks, beginning Oct. 11 at 5:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Entitled “How We Got the Bible as We Now Have It,” the class will be led by Dr. Bill Johnson.

Adult education opportunities available

(Continued on page 8.)

Volume 24, Number 5 October-November 2017 Page 7

In the past year, St. Andrew has welcomed nine new members. They joined the church through affirmation or reaffirmation of faith or letters of transfer from the churches where they previously were members. Below is some information about each of them.

Melanie Hamner, 17, (center above) just became a member in August but she’s a member of a long-time St. Andrew family—the Hamners—and she’s grown up in the church.

A student at La Quinta High School, Melanie is the daughter of Joe and Angie Hamner and the grand-daughter of Merlyn Hamner. At. St. Andrew, Melanie is in the bell choir she helps dad, Joe, work the sound and video system and helps in the kitchen.

About her decision to become a member, Melanie said, “This church is truly a family. I know just about every-one, and I feel at home here. I know I can be here and feel safe and calm.”

Melanie said as a child she learned a lot about the Bible from Merlyn and her grandfather, the late Stan Hamner. “The Bible was just part of our day,” she said.

Dr. Ken and Andi Zanca moved to the valley from Orange County about a year ago, were looking for a PCUSA (Presbyterian Church USA) church, drove by St. Andrew, saw the church sign and decided to give it a try.

Both were raised in other faiths but later became Presbyterians. Ken was an

elder at the First Presbyterian Church of Orange and served on various com-mittees.

Ken is a retired Marymount California University professor of philosophy and religious studies and Andi was a teacher of the deaf in the

Los Angeles pub-lic schools for 41 years. Ken and Andi each have two adult children by previous mar-riages.

They joined St. Andrew in June and already are active members. Both sing in the

choir and, beginning in November, also will lead a five-month, small-group

series of gatherings for dinner, fellow-ship and discussions on the theme, “A Philosophical Approach to Christian Faith and Development.”

Beginning in January, Ken will lead a series of afternoon classes on “What Does It Mean to be a Moral Person?”

Helen Smith was baptized and raised Presbyterian. She grew up in the San Joaquin Valley, later served as an ordained deacon at a Presbyterian Church in Goleta.

She moved to the Coachella Valley in 1978 for a teaching job in the Coachella

(Continued on page 8.)

Unified School District where she taught grades K-4 at Palm View School until her retirement in 2006.

Helen previously attended the Presbyterian Church in Coachella and the Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church. She started at-tending St. Andrew because it is a PCUSA church with a small congre-gation. She knew people in the church and liked the prayerful, cooperative at-titude of the congregation. She became a member in June.

Katrina McDowell learned about St. Andrew from Sue Steding who in-vited her to visit the church. Katrina recently graduated from the California Desert Trial Academy College of Law where Sue teaches and serves as dean of students.

Once she passes the bar, Katrina would like to work with the Innocence Project, which works to exonerate wrongfully-convicted people.

Katrina previously attended Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church where she was a greeter and membership committee member. She became a St. Andrew member in April.

Joe and Pat Botelho rejoined St. Andrew in August. They previ-ously were members but joined the Carmichael Presbyterian Church when they moved back to the Sacramento area where they previously had lived. Recently they moved back to the des-ert and decided St. Andrew was their church home.

9 new members join St. Andrew during year

Page 8 October-November 2017 Volume 24, Number 5

St. Andrew Community Presbyterian Church

47-192 Monroe Street

Indio, CA 92201

NONPROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PALM DESERT, CAPERMIT NO. 445

The mission of St. Andrew Community Presbyterian Church is to glorify God, encourage commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and prepare all to serve Him.

or current resident

Both retired, Joe had worked in retail and Pat in personnel and public relations positions for various compa-nies.

Joe has three daughters and Pat has two sons, and between them they have nine grandchildren.

They both plan to get involved in the life of the church; Joe already is helping with ushering.

Valda “Val” Jacques quickly be-came involved in church life after joining St. Andrew in October 2016. She serves on the outreach and wor-ship committees and volunteered at Vacation Bible School.

Val attended Presbyterian church-es here in California as a child. After moving to Suffolk, Va., in 2000, she be-

gan attending St. Andrew Presbyterian Church there, and became a member in 2006. She served as an elder at that church.

In April 2016, she moved back to California to be closer to her daughter. She also has two grandchildren. After moving back here, Val, a La Quinta resident, began “church shopping” for a PCUSA church and found St. Andrew on the web.

Her career background includes working for General Dynamics in bud-get and cost control.

Janis O’Neil started attending the Presbyterian Church in Coachella in 7th grade. Later, she married, had four children and continued attending the church until 1975 when she moved to Indio. That was after the death of her first husband and her later marriage to Les O’Neil, police chief in Coachella. She and Les have a son. They have 22 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchil-dren.

Janis and Les now live in La Quinta. Janis decided about a year ago to visit St. Andrew and found that she knew a number of people here. She joined the church last November, and is a member

of the Outreach Committee.Janis’ professional background in-

cludes working in accounting for vari-ous valley growers.

(Continued from page 7)

9 new members join St. Andrew roles in 2017

—Women’s Bible Study, beginning Oct. 11 at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor. Led by Pastor Julie, the six-week class will focus on “Sacred Rhythms: Spiritual Practices that Nourish Your Soul and Transform Your Life,” a six-week course by author/teacher Ruth Haley Barton. Workbooks are available for $10 Sign up with Pastor Julie to reserve your yearbook.

—Men’s Bible Study on Monday af-ternoons at 3:30 in the parlor. Led by Scott Coulson, Thomas Park and Steve Stiles, the men study scriptures and their meaning for today.

—A five-month small group expe-rience, beginning in November and led by Dr. Ken and Andi Zanca. Following the theme, “A Philosophical Approach to Christian Faith and Development,” participants will read a guiding article each month that will frame discussion on how we learn our Christian faith. Sign-up information to be announced.

Bible studies offered(Continued from page 6.)

Pastor Julie, center, pauses with new members Janis O’Neil, left, and Val Jacques.