March 2008 | Q1

The people and places in this amazing story are real—a part of documented history. Two thousand years ago God’s son came to earth to live among the people he created. It’s the story of Jesus Christ’s willingness to be crucified and his power to rise from the dead, for all of us. And, this true story changed the world—by offering an eternal and full life for all who believed. This Easter, come explore the true story!

We have been busy preparing for God to move in our community this Easter season. All of our corporate preparations mean nothing if each person who calls PCC home doesn’t engage in the disciplined task of preparing his or her heart!

Please plan on stewarding the following Easter experiences:

Good Friday: 7:30pm: Good Friday Service of

Tenebrae: This service of worship

dates back to the 8th century. The name Tenebrae is the Latin word for “darkness” or “shadows.” The service is designed to create an experience of Christ’s pain and suffering the day of His crucifixion. One of the most conspicuous features of the service is the gradual extinguishing of candles until only a single candle, considered a symbol of our Lord, remains. By this single light we all depart this service in silence. In previous years, many have told us that this powerful experience has been the highlight of their Easter.

easter sunday celebration Gatherings: 9:15am (Traditions), 11:00am (Contemporary); 5:30pm (Alternative) Is there a more jubilant Sunday at PCC? This Sunday we expect the largest Sunday gathering in our 57-year history! Our morning gatherings will utilize a specially designed overflow video broadcast room in the Fellowship Center. Imagine a gathering where we pull out

Truth Be Told! Gary Gaddini

pRaY | GRoW | seRVe | celeBRaTe

Peninsula Covenant Church Quarterly Newsletter

seRVinG The coMMUniTY

HUNT

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all chURch ReTReaT

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childRen and FaMilY

I Have A Dream

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all the stops to celebrate history’s most significant event! Our Hispanic church plant Comunidad Familiar Cristiana will be joining us as we present the same message in three different heart language focused gatherings.

There is not an easier time to invite your friends, neighbors and co-workers to experience PCC. We will have invitations available for you to use.

GARY’S CORNER Gary Gaddini

Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance? Romans 2:4

Welcome to the new format of the Bridge! I was reminded of the power and depth of God’s word this week as I was studying Revelation 16. I read of God’s wrath being poured out on the earth through a series of Bowl Judgments. CONtiNuES ON pAGE 8

MiDDLE SCHOOL - 1,000 Pairs of Pajamas Michael “Slim” Wilton

Last month Summer Gould told me this story…“One afternoon I was watching Oprah and heard about the Pajama Program.

The program is for children who live in temporary foster shelters all across the nation. The pajamas go to kids between 2 and 17 years of age. When I was watching the show, the lady speaking said that most people forget that there are thousands of American children and teens who don’t have homes. My goal is donate 1,000 pairs of pajamas. It’s a lot, but I think together we can reach my goal.”

I was blown away! That Wednesday night Summer told her story to the rest of her peers at middle school. All 60+ students got excited about this and committed to helping Summer in her endeavor. By the end of March we want to send 1,000 pairs of pajamas to the Pajama Program. Will you help Summer meet the goal God has put on her heart?

Thank you for praying for middle school ministry and awesome students like Summer!

HiGH SCHOOL- Call to ActionCarlos DeVitis

“What good is a man who won’t take a stand? What good is a cynic with no better plan?” Songwriter Ben Harper penned these words, but on the first Wednesday of February it was one of the high school students that stood in front of the entire middle school and high school groups and challenged them to a better way. The work of the Kingdom is not merely words, but a call to action. It is a rich blessing to see a student juggling the weight of high school, friends, family, and future declare to his peers that life is – must be – about more. I was challenged to hang up my preaching hat. God’s truth is alive and revealing in the lives of our students; they have plenty to say. It’s worth hearing. The challenge ended with these words from Philippians, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” All this is to say, if you haven’t met Steven Rozzi, or any of the other amazing students that form High School Epic, jump on the chance if you get it. You’ll be challenged, blessed, and filled with hope and wonder at the work of the Spirit and you may wish you had my job.

SKAtECHuRCH - Serving in ScotlandChris Davidson

In July I got a phone call from a friend of mine who had just returned from working with a skate ministry in Scotland which had over 100 skaters attending each week. Unfortunately the missionary who had led the ministry for over a year had run into immigration issues could not return to Scotland any time soon. So on January 8th, Heather and I flew to Glasgow and began serving the community and our host missionaries in several different ways. Our ministry opportunities involved leading the skate ministry, volunteering at the local skate park, helping with a children’s ministry, and assisting the missionaries in home repair, meal preparation, and child care. Being there for 30 days really gave us a window into the day-to-day lives of missionaries. My eyes were truly opened to the struggles so many missionaries face: balancing family and ministry, being seen as a foreigner, ministering in a culture that is not friendly to the gospel, and financial difficulties. As you read this, please remember the missionaries from our body and lift them up in prayer, write them an encouraging email, or make a donation. Let’s honor those who are giving their whole lives for the sake of the Gospel. 1 10

COMMuNitY LiFE BiRTh annoUnceMenTs

Bennett Woodward Binkert, born on December 17th to Amity and Nate Binkert• Jacob Peterson, born on January 10th to D’Anne and Ryan Peterson• Caleb Timothy Lawson, born on February 1st to Janet and Tim Lawson•

loVe and sYMpaThYTo Joan Herlihy Helin and family for the passing of Joan’s twin sister, Ann •

Fleenor, on January 8th in Nevada City, CA.To Betty Gilikin and family. Betty’s niece, Suzie Richey, passed away on January 12th. •

Also Betty’s sister in-law, Marianne Nestor, passed away on February 8th.To Gary Robinson and family for the passing of his mother Inez Robinson on •

February 17th in Hawaii. To Alice Clark whose sister, Ida White passed on February 18th in Beaverton, •

OR.

pRaYeRBetty & Bob Gillikin comfort as they mourn the passing of Betty’s

niece, Suzie Richey and Suzie’s mother, Marianne Nestor (Betty’s sister-in-law)

Don & Marion Robbins sustaining strength

Irma Kerstan relief from hip pain (hip replacement not appropriate for her existing heart condition)

George Good condition to remain stable from pancreatic cancer

Kay Lewis relief from pain; new chemo treatments to be successful in combating pancreatic cancer

Laura Lenci healing from cancer and strength to her legs - partially paralyzed

Sibley Owens recovery from pneumonia, comfort, peace, return of strength

Tony Gapastione full mouth recovery

Virginia Daetz recovery from cold

Virginia & Warren Rosenquist pray for a little gift of joy each day in their lives

The Bridge newsletter is produced four times per year, by Peninsula Covenant Church. Its mission is to communicate the ministries of the church with the intention of furthering the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Peninsula Covenant Church is part of the Evangelical Covenant Church.

Please let us know if you have a new address, receive duplicates, would like to be removed from our mailing list or know someone who would like to be added. Please contact us at www.peninsulacovenant.com.

pENiNSuLA COvENANt CHuRCH

Gary GaddiniMinisters

Brian RhenCandice IbarraCarlos DeVitisCheryl Burns

Chris DavidsonDaisy Segal

Dave EnderbyDave Knochenhauer

Gerry SkinnerJeff Murphy

Jeff SmithJohn Seybert

John & Janet MicleanMatt Nightingale

Marilyn LynchRod ToewsCaren Fior

Royce GarvinScott EdwardsSid Newcomb

Todd GumbrechtTerry Boudreau

Tony Gapastione

lead pastorall pcc MembersPeople DevelopmentStudent MinistriesHigh SchoolEventsSkatechurchChurch OfficeCommunity CenterAquaticsPropertiesPublicationsChildren & FamiliesOperationsStudents & FamiliesMusic & Creative ArtsSchool Age ChildcarePLUSFinanceCounseling CenterCommunity CenterTennis / MissionCare & ConnectionPreschoolSingle / Young Adults

www.peninsulacovenant.com/skatechurch

www.peninsulacovenant.com/youth

day), and home (3 hours a day). We are still involved closely with

Jonathan, his school and family. We are beginning to see a change and Jonathan is experiencing success in school. He works hard every week to learn the Bible verse and get all the privileges that come with good behavior. We are so proud of him.

Please pray for Pam, Jonathan and all the other families that we touch. We love being in their lives and loving them with Christ’s love.

CHiLDREN’S MiNiStRY Because Jesus Loves ChildrenMeg Roundy

Because Jesus loves children! That’s why we do what we do here every Sunday morning at PCC. Here are a few personal accounts direct from the hearts of our teaching staff. Their words encourage and inspire me. Praise God who is alive and working in our kids!

Mary Hanlon, four year veteran on our Toddler team: I serve with the toddlers because it is my favorite age range. I love to see how wonderfully God has made these children. I love how they talk and are learning how to talk. I love to watch them interact together. On Sunday mornings when we are trying to get out of the house and Satan is doing everything in his power to get me frustrated and make great obstacles for us to get to church, and I might already be tired or other things are going on in my life, I get to church and see these children and see their smiling faces. When it time for their parents to come and pick them up, God

SCHOOL AGE CHiLDCARE After School CampMarilyn Lynch

Through PCC’s After School Camp ministry, we are invited to participate in the lives of many families. One example is that of a sweet six-year-old boy who we will call Jonathan. Jonathan’s parents were followers of Jesus when they got married. They had a great marriage and life until shortly after Jonathan’s birth, when his dad was diagnosed with a fatal heart condition. His father died shortly before his brother was born, when Jonathan was three years old.

Jonathan is a typical, energetic, boisterous boy. He is bright, sweet and curious. His younger brother (now three) is a sweet, gentle and slightly shy youngster. Jonathan’s mother, who we will call Pam, is a hard working, great mom. She has the boys in a Confident Kids program through Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, and accesses counseling when it is needed. Even though Pam works full-time, she struggles to make ends meet. This little family lives in a trailer in East Redwood City. With a desire for the best for her sons, Pam has arranged for Jonathan to attend a school outside his home district.

Jonathan struggles in school. He has a hard time paying attention and keeping his hands to himself. He is easily distracted so he doesn’t finish his school work like most children in his class. In Kindergarten he was labeled as a “difficult child” and allowed to misbehave. Jonathan was not getting the attention he needed. Pam began to ask me for advice.

So, the After School Camp decided to step in. Several of us volunteered in his class as “parent volunteers.” Jonathan loved this; he was important and got lots of special attention. I attended the parent teacher conference and other meetings with Pam and the school administration. By the end of Kindergarten we were able to devise a plan that fostered consistency between school (5 hours a day), After School Camp (4 hours a

gives me this special feeling of love for these kids and I can’t believe that I’m supposed to be helping out and praying for these children and all the while, I’m the one who feels blessed!”

Lindy Douglas, five-year veteran on our Toddler team: “It is one of the best places to serve (full of joy, learning, and simple things). It a great place from which to see how and why Jesus loves children so much. The Children’s Ministry Staff are terrific!” Ways she see the Lord working: “To hear a parent talk about seeing their child pray with them at mealtime at home. To see and hear the children gain confidence as they come to PCC and participate with play and singing. To pray for the children in specific ways, to pray with/for parents and those on the team.”

Sharon King, 15-year veteran on the Preschool Team: “Time flies when you’re having FUN! Why do I work with them? I would say ‘Why not?’ The children are so lovable and the Bible stories NEVER get old. You just keep on learning and growing right along with them. Serving in children’s ministry has helped me see “little ones” differently; they are the FUTURE church and what an awesome opportunity and task to be a part of planting seeds into the future church! I LOVE Sunday mornings with those kids!”

check out Ensenada and head back to USA.

July 14th Beach Day in San Diego • and then we head back to PCC.

This trip is designed for families to work together. Please check out this website to see what the homes look like and what the ranch where we will be staying looks like! http://www.handsofmercy.com/

Cost: $150-200 per family for three nights lodging and meals for three days at the ranch in Ensenada.

Gas and meals and lodging on the way down and back will be in your control.

Who can come? Anyone! Whole family, half a family, grandparents, neighbors, work families.

What will your family get out of this? An adventure your family will never ever forget!

If you are interested contact: johns@peninsulacovenant.com or jeffs@peninsulacovenant.com We are your trip leaders!

Our two-week Day Camp in the summer serves mostly church children and provides awesome training in the Lord but is a small piece of the ongoing outreach and discipleship PCC provides year around to the community.

Obviously I am a wee bit proud of what we do!

FAMiLY MiSSiON DiscipleshipJeff Smith

Dear Missionary Pastors, How are your disciples doing?

Are they becoming “good soil” (As opposed to a footpath, rocky, and choked by thorns)? I am talking about your kids!

I have an idea for an adventure for you and

your family. Kids love adventures. Would

you join me and take a trip to Ensenada this summer? Let’s lead our kids to another culture and serve alongside them

and each other in helping one day at

an orphanage and then the next day building 4

houses for families that need a house. We can spend a weekend

together, singing, working, laughing, lounging and being Jesus to others as well as each other. What do you say? Are you in? Are you up for leading your family on a mission adventure? Here are the details:

Pre-Build date: May 17th Build 4 homes (all the panels) and store them until our trip to Ensenada.

Trip dates: July 9th pack up our homes and drive to San Diego and spend the night.

July 10th Caravan together down the beautiful coast just south of Ensenada to Rancho Casitas

July 11th Visit an orphanage • serving and playing as needed.

July 12th Build four homes.• July 13th Worship, eat, stop and •

CHiLDREN & FAMiLiES I Have A DreamJeff Smith

I have a dream: Day Camp at PCC 50 weeks out of the year! Crazy, right?

What would it look like? Actually, PCC already has day camp 50 weeks out of the year.

During September to May we have PCC Preschool Monday - Friday 9:00-noon. Under the leadership of Terry Boudreau, and with a staff of saints who love the Lord, this missional outpost has been an awesome bridge for some to connect with Jesus and our church. It has also been a training ground for the children in our midst. Even Steve Mooney, our Council Representative for Stewardship, was shaped by this preschool. We have 70+ children being ministered to weekly. Sometime around 11:30am I walk by and observe The Emma Rhen playground as “church” moms and community moms interact while they are picking up children. It must make God smile!

But we have more--fifty weeks out of the year we are ministering to another 100+ children and families five days a week in School Age Child Care. Under the leadership of Marilyn Lynch and Kim Learned (preschool alum) and a staff that grows to about 17 in the summer, PCC has child care for 98% non-church children. I wish you could all see what I have seen these past few years. We have the privilege of sowing Christ into these kids year around and watching the majority of children accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

I have been able to disciple the 5th graders who attend every week. This year I have four boys who are eating up God’s Word, and three of them do not attend church anywhere.

Are you seeing the dream?

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PCC TRIVIA

1.) To which pcc ministry does this logo belong?

2.) Which member of pcc’s pastoral staff emigrated from canada at the age of 18?

3.) What is the name of the ministry that serves children and families in our community during the summer months?

FoR ansWeRs VisiT: www.peninsualcovenant.com/

publications

eggs – March 13, 7:00pm, Redeemer Lutheran Church located at 468 Grand St. in Redwood City

Local businesses to sponsor this • event - we need funding, prizes and services

Candy: Starburst, Nerds, Tootsie • Rolls, Laffy Taffy, Jolly Rancher, gum balls, Sweet Tarts and sour candy. All individually wrapped. NO Jellybeans!

Novelty prizes for our prize table – • this includes kid items under $2. Plan to be a part of this amazing community-blessing event. Sign up tables and collection bins will be set up after worship gatherings.

is an important way for the church to forge new ground in growing the Kingdom of God. More specifically, HUNT is an opportunity for YOU to love and serve your neighbors by providing a safe setting for families to enjoy a traditional Easter Egg hunt (loaded with lots of candy and prizes).

staffed The HUNT site will be staffed with volunteers from each church (90 in total) who are friendly, welcoming, and desire to serve the families of our community.

serviced HUNT provides YOU an opportunity to excel in creativity and innovation when it comes to serving our neighbors. Christ has served us well; this is our chance to serve others well.

supplied HUNT will be well stocked with goodies to demonstrate the measure of grace that God has given us… LOTS!!! HUNT will have 20,000 eggs (with candy) for kids to find. That is four times the number we supplied last year.

Our prayer in co-hosting HUNT is to far exceed the expectations of our community in the way HUNT is staffed, serviced, and supplied. That’s where you come in! We need YOU! Last year we were expecting no more than 500 to attend, but over 2,000 showed up! Praise God! Beautiful day hUnT needs:

Families to attend – HUNT is the • venue for church and community to come together

Unpaid staff to prepare and work the • event – March 22nd

Small groups & families to stuff plastic •

SERviNG tHE COMMuNitYTodd Gumbrecht

BiGGeR and BeTTeRWhat is hUnT you say? We’re

glad you asked! HUNT is a Beautiful Day event to celebrate Easter and bless our community. On Easter Saturday, March 22 at 1:30pm, Peninsula Covenant, Redeemer Lutheran, and Comunidad Familiar Cristiana (CFC) will host a massive Easter Egg HUNT at Red Morton Park for Redwood City.

The theme this year is Bigger & Better! We will offer a much larger venue at Red Morton, 20,000 eggs, 6,000 grand prizes, live music including award-winning singer/songwriter Andy Z, face painting, kids’ crafts, two Easter bunnies, refreshments, bouncy houses and more! The event is well supported by community sponsors and our city’s mayor, Rosanne Foust, who will act as the event’s Grand Marshall. everything is FRee. come join the fun!

The “Big Idea” of HUNT is to serve as a venue to build bridges in our community. The time-honored approach to building influence through acts of service and meeting felt needs

coMinG MaY 17Th

Where will you serve?

Hawes Elementary School Projects•

Habitat for Humanity – RWC•

Houses for Mexico•

Blood Drive at PCC•

siGn Up noW!BeautifulDay@peninsulacovenant.com

Sunday night, and the people in the pews danced and clapped and sang, no matter how many millions of times we did it.

Even when my heart is torn, I will praise You, Lord. Even when I feel deserted, I will praise You, Lord. Even in the darkest valleys, I will praise You, Lord. And when my world is shattered, and it seems all hope is gone, yet I will praise You, Lord.

It was the terrible month of September 2001. The Rhen family had just lost their precious daughter, and the Twin Towers had collapsed. Everything was falling apart around me… I played this song at the piano as my wife (very pregnant with twins) sang it from the stage at Emma’s memorial service. We cried together as we tried to understand God’s love and His plans in the light of such tragedy.

I will never be the same again. I could never return; I’ve closed the door. I will walk the path, I will run the race, and I will never be the same again.

I am a different man than I was when I came to PCC eight years ago. Because of the grace and love of God poured out through His people in this community, I have learned what it means to walk in integrity and light. I have found freedom from some struggles that had plagued me for years. I have found true friends, godly men who have loved me and taught me what it means to be the man of God He designed me to be. I will never be the same.

Let the Church rise from the ashes, let the Church fall to her knees, let us be light in the darkness, let the Church rise…

My prayer for PCC as I leave you in God’s hands: That you would continue to thrive and grow, love and serve one another, with the community and the world around you, and that you would continue to welcome people like me and allow us to be changed by the power of Jesus living through you.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above, Ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

the deciding factor in leading people to repentance!

We are entering a season where we will be bombarding our city with love and kindness in the hopes that our good deeds will create good will and enable us to share the Good News. This missive is filled with such opportunities. Whether it is the Hunt, Easter Sunday, Beautiful Day or Street Church, can I encourage you to step out in faith and boldly love and invite people? You will not regret it! Will you please not just read this Bridge but pray through it?

I Love Being Your Pastor!

MuSiC & CREAtivE ARtS The Songs I Can’t Seem To Get Out of My HeadMatt Nightingale

Prepare the way… Prepare the way for our Redeemer. Prepare the way… Prepare the way for our Restorer. Make ready your heart, make ready your home, make ready the people of God. Prepare the way!

It was December, 1999, and I had just walked into the PCC Worship Center for the first time. I was moved by the beautiful room, decorated for Christmas with trees, banners, wreaths and lights. I was warmly welcomed by the worship band, and we got to work learning a new song. Prepare the way indeed…

Oh, I could sing unending songs of how You saved my soul. I could dance a thousand miles because of Your great love. Everybody dance!

It was the theme song of those early years of Sunday At 6. How we loved The Happy Song! It seemed to well up and engulf the rag-tag group of musicians that played and sang every

CONtiNuED FROM pAGE 8 These judgments are manifested in unprecedented catastrophic and cataclysmic natural disasters that come upon the earth, wreaking great pain, havoc and death upon humanity.

As I traversed through the chapter, my spirit sank further and further in sorrow at the pride and hardness within the human heart. After each catastrophe, instead of repenting, God’s word records that men and women will curse God. The chapter ends with these sobering words in Revelation. 16:21: From the sky huge hailstones of about a hundred pounds each fell upon men. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible.

I wondered what God would have for me in these verses. Instead of moving forward, I soaked…I seeped…I marinated….forcing my mind and spirit to be still and let God speak.

God always honors a seeking heart (1 Chronicles. 28:9), and the Holy Spirit brought the above verse, Romans. 2:4, to mind. I realized a profound spiritual truth; if God’s wrath systematically destroying the earth won’t bring men to repentance, what would be more effective? His kindness!

I walked away with a sense of God honing my evangelistic methodology. Lead with love! Certainly we must communicate the sobering reality of every person’s condition apart from Christ. All are sinners and await a certain judgment of eternal wrath apart from Christ. (John 3:36, Romans 1:18, Romans 3:23) But the Gospel is good news and we are to be God-like in our radical inclusive love towards every human being on planet Earth. Who knows? Maybe our kindness will be

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more and more people began pushing in. The mass of bodies began to shift dangerously back and forth, some shouting, others crying. It felt as if things were happening slow motion. Megan and I held on to each other in desperation. The pressure seemed

to be crushing us. Through prayers we noticed an

area about 10 feet away that wasn’t as densely packed. No sooner had we begun forcing our way to the side when the music suddenly stopped and

the crowd subsided. It was over. We could

breathe.Over the past century the

Basques have become increasingly desperate to maintain their “Basqueness.” This insatiable hunger to maintain their identity, value, and recognition as a people has drawn them like moths to the only thing they can conceive worth glorifying – themselves. Blinded to the glory of Christ, they worship and serve that which they have created and end up being crushed in the process. God, however, is jealous for his glory among the nations and delivers those who call on his name.

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” Romans 10:14

This summer Impact Basque is bringing over 100 Basque students to the United States where they will hear the gospel for the first time. Pray with us that God would open their minds to

MiSSiON Our Jealous GodChris Probasco

The Basques of San Sebastian hold an annual festival commemorating the humiliation of French occupying forces long ago – It’s called “La Tamborrada.” In Basque Country this past January, Megan and I experienced it in a way we won’t soon forget.

As midnight approached, the entire city raced on foot, bike, car and bus to the city square in the old part of town to capture the opening ceremonies. We boarded a bus jam packed with inebriated

people chanting Tamborrada songs at the top of their lungs. After a ten- minute ride we bustled through the chilly coastal air alongside scores of people banging on plates and drums, which are symbols of the Tamborrada tradition.

The excitement was building. Small clusters of young people were hurriedly mixing alcoholic drinks in the remaining minutes. As we got closer the crowds packed tighter, jamming the streets that led to the square. Within moments we found ourselves caught up in a frenzied river of people determined to get to the edge of the square for a glimpse of the “Tamborrada glory.” The glow of lights emanating from the square drew the people like moths, mindlessly forcing in. We ended up on the edge of the square just as it began. The lights, the colors, the drums and the music – this was it! We made it! Within seconds, however, our joy turned to fear as

“The God of this age has blinded the minds of

unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

2 Corinthians 4:4

to our small group gatherings, and the day after that I was hiking with Evans Leung and seeing my first redwoods. People really made the effort to engage with me, and as I also made the effort, relationships grew.

Having been involved a lot with my college fellowship, the Navigators, I wanted to not only receive from the community, but also serve, and so I talked to Matt Nightingale about joining the Sunday At 6 band. And having led small groups in college, Tony challenged me to lead a care group that fall. The guys that I met in that care group would become some of my closest friends here. Other guys I met in the Young Adult group would become my roommates. We started out not knowing each other very well, but as we trusted God and sought to serve each other, God used us in each other’s lives and grew us closer together.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “Christian brotherhood is not an ideal which we must realize; it is rather a reality created by God in Christ in which we may participate.” And so I would encourage everyone who wants to be involved in a deep, enriching, loving community, to stop looking for it and start making it. Rather than reaching for some ideal, and giving up when we don’t find it, we should engage with the people God has already placed around us, seeking to love them and serve them in the ways we’ve been gifted. Community will emerge naturally.

God gave them the idea for Dinners to Doors! Dinners to Doors is a way of supporting students going to Mexico by purchasing a meal that will be prepared and delivered by the students themselves! Cheri has taken this on and has already involved students and parents in an awesome, fun way of making the money needed for this trip. This is what she told me, “If I had known that you needed that kind of help earlier I would have been willing to step in, but the way it happened, I know this is a God thing!” It is obvious that God is using Cheri’s gifts, passions and her willingness to provide for our students and the people in Mexico who we will serve. It is a beautiful thing to witness.

YOuNG ADuLtS My First ExperienceDavid Bromberg

It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a year and a half since I’ve joined the community here at PCC. Originally from the east coast, I moved out here after graduating from college because of a job offer. (I work as a software developer for Electronic Arts in Redwood Shores.) I didn’t know anyone out here. I found PCC through a Google search for churches in the Bay Area, and after coming to Sunday At 6 once, I knew for sure that I wanted to keep coming back.

My first experience with the Young Adult community was coming to Mercy Cafe. I met Frankie Markovich, who right away started introducing me to

people. I know it sounds cliche, but it’s true...everyone was so welcoming. The next Wednesday I started coming

StuDENtS & FAMiLiES Nudge of GodJanet Miclean

Last year when we were looking for leaders to go to Mexico with the High School Students, Cheri Hurst volunteered. She did not know what to expect, wasn’t sure what she would think of it, but felt the nudge of God. She knew she was supposed to go, and she did. Sometimes when we answer God’s call we get a surprise. This trip turned out to be a challenging one for Cheri, emotionally and physically. She came home and wondered if she should have gone at all.

Fast forward to this winter. Again, Cheri senses God call her to Mexico. Wow….if your first experience wasn’t the best and the brightest, would you subject yourself to that all over again? Cheri is going to Mexico this year because she knows the value of

following God where he leads. She knows the value of sharing her life with her daughter Shiloh and being a part of her world. She knows that following doesn’t always mean a warm, comfortable bed and a dust-

free environment! Most of the time it means challenge and growth and the unexpected, amazing movement of God.

Cheri’s involvement with Mexico this year isn’t stopping with just going on the trip. We intentionally made the fundraising for Mexico more student/family dependant this year. Again, Cheri followed the nudge of God. Cheri and Shiloh were talking about our fundraising plan, and they were not really sure that it was working so well! As Cheri and Shiloh talked,

...knows the valu e of following God where he leads.

the glory of Jesus, and that they would call on his name and be saved.

This spring Chris and Megan Probasco will be in the Northwest helping train the churches and families who will be hosting students. This summer they will be overseeing aspects of the program and in September will be moving permanently to the Basque Country to help in planting indigenous Basque churches. If you would like more info, please contact them at: cmprobasco@gmail.com. You can also visit their blog: www.cmprobasco.blogspot.com

Join the Community Center

swim | tennis | fitness | family

March 1-30 $150.00 oFF

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www.peninsulacovenant.com/ya

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Creative Ways to Give

elecTRonic GiVinG: Confidential, easy-to-change, electronic giving

is simple to set up. This is a great way to ensure your planned percentage giving is consistent.

on-line GiVinG: Visit www.peninsulacovenant.com and

click on the “Give to PCC” link under the Resources section.

sTock GiFTs: Stock gifts may be transferred directly into

PCC’s brokerage account.

For more information on any of these options contact:

Caren Fior in the Church Office for more information at

(650) 365-8094 x 235 or carenf@peninsulacovenant.com

“Bring your full tithe to the Temple treasury so there will be ample provisions in my Temple. Test

me in this and see if I don’t open up heaven itself to you and pour

out blessings beyond your wildest dreams.” Malachi 3:10

oneness I felt. It was the first time I really felt I was part of a church family, a family of believers who loved God, and in turned loved me. The interactions with other families, couples, singles and the pastors all worked together to bind us to one another - belonging. Ten minutes after church cannot possibly be enough time to truly meet others, and grow in relationship.

The experience my children had was similar. They were able to understand a freedom they could not experience at home. Riding their bikes, playing at the playground, developing their own friendships with one another and their loving group leaders all offer them a sense of belonging as well. We need to surround our children with a family of believers they can learn from and grow with. The Retreat offers just that.

While there is plenty of time to relax, fellowship and be entertained, there is also excellent teaching. This year our speaker is Doug Pollock. Doug is the International Director of Cutting Edge Evangelism for Athletes in Action. Doug will bring us a new way of looking at evangelism that is both refreshing and exciting. As co-author of the book Irresistible Evangelism, Doug will offer us practical, natural ways of sharing our faith with others.

During the sessions, younger children are in loving childcare, while

children Preschool-5th Grade are taught by wonderful leaders. Middle School and High School also meet with their amazing leaders during the session.

This year, back by popular demand, is Saturday Night

at the Grove, a time of singing and an unbelievable display of PCC talent, including the dramatic group Miclean, Miclean, Gaddini and Smith, as well as the comedic talents of Wilton and Phelan, to name a few.

It’s a “don’t miss”, so..... don’t miss it! Registration starts March 2nd.

Contact Janet and Shawn Wilkerson at janetwilkerson@sbcglobal.net for more information.

return your call, how well they seem to engage with you on the phone, how they respond to your questions, how you seem to “connect” emotionally, whether you perceive the counselor to be honest or evasive about personal questions, etc. The idea is to identify a counselor who is a “fit” for you both in terms of professional competencies and personal style.

step 4. Consider and pray about the information gained from your process of information gathering. Ask the Holy Spirit and trusted others to be involved in your decision.

Dr. Royce Garvin is a licensed psychologist and the Director of Covenant Psychological Services, a ministry of PCC.

He can be reached at 650-368-0210 or royceg@peninsulacovenant.com.

ALL CHuRCH REtREAt Janet Wilkerson

When we first attended PCC, I can remember feeling a bit at odds after the services. I felt quite uncomfortable and awkward. I knew a few people, but I felt as though everyone knew everyone else, and no one knew me. While we attended many activities and our children were very much involved, I still felt as though I had not connected on a level that satisfied the inner need for belonging that God had created in me, indeed in all of us. This quickly changed after our first PCC Retreat at Mission Springs. What unfolded that weekend continues to draw my family and me back year after year.

Set at the amazing Mission Springs Conference Grounds, the Retreat literally removed us from our hectic, non-stop everyday world. The Santa Cruz Mountains provided a peaceful beauty that immediately set the tone for the weekend. Perhaps though, what I remember most from that first experience, was the warmth and

COvENANt pSYCHOLOGiCAL SERviCES Choosing a Counseling ProfessionalDr. Royce Garvin

Here are a few basic steps for looking for a Christian therapist:

step 1. Start by asking trusted friends and professionals for references. Pastors, therapy professionals, and trusted friends who are well-established in the community are good people to begin with. It can also be helpful to get references from key organizations that maintain referral lists for counselors. These include Covenant Psychological Services (368-0210), Menlo Park Presbyterian Church and Focus on the Family. It is increasingly possible to do web searches for counseling professionals, but personal recommendations are much more reliable and valuable than website information. It is an excellent idea to identify two or three potential counselors before starting to make phone calls.

step 2. Develop key questions to discuss with a potential counselor. This would include questions about specialty areas of practice, fee information, office hours and availability, type of professional training (licensed psychologist, marriage family therapist, social worker), years in practice, therapy style, philosophical orientation (behavioral, cognitive, psychoanalytic, etc.). It is often important to ask questions that are uniquely important to you. That is, you might only want to see a counselor with a strong Christian orientation; or you might want to see a professional with personal experience raising children. It is appropriate to ask the necessary “personal” questions to a potential counselor to gather the information you need.

step 3. Call the counselors that you have identified in your search. Attempt to arrange a time to talk when both you and a prospective counselor are not rushed. Try to be aware of a number of factors: how soon the counselors

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not firm in his faith, he was willing to test the challenging waters.

Soon after arriving at PCC, his mom succumbed to cancer in just a few months. Within the next year, Eric’s reoccurring eye irritation worsened, causing pain, vision loss and hampering his lifestyle. The eye healed; however, I watch his soul grow weary with regard to relationships as time passed on. Yet, over time, his Catholic theology was reshaped through consistent community with Christian brothers. Soon, spiritual convictions arose in the realignment of key priorities and life decisions.

Entering his hospital room that Good Friday evening I was unsure what Eric’s response to God would be protest or praise. Facing surgery in the morning, and heavily medicated against riveting pain, he detailed the events that seemed to herald his demise. In the midst, I asked, “How are you doing with God through all of this?” He closed his eyes, took a shallow breath and whispered through the pain, “Thy will be done.” Tears welled up as I heard him speak in faith.

Eric fought a brutal battle–hope seemed lost. Remarkably, after two surgeries and four intense rounds of chemo, he experienced victory. Death escaped has united his disjointed family, solidified his faith and calling.

In the last four years this cancer survivor has found the godly love of his

life, left the fast pace of the Silicon Valley, established a consulting business, while developing Wilderness Reconnection Experiences.

Combining his life passions and experiences, Wilderness Reconnection Experiences helps cancer survivors make the best of the rest of their lives by helping them design a new

vision, mission, goals, and purpose for their lives, using the wilderness as a therapeutic medium to challenge and stretch them physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally. For more information about this fabulous transformation and ministry go to http://www.wildernessreconnections.org

I looked up to see the face of my beautiful wife, Jeeti. My three daughters and son-in-law were also there, unspoken relief showing in their faces. The care and support from my family and church leaders, the many calls, visits and cards from all of you, sustained me when I needed it most.

I believe God’s purpose for me was to tell you my story in a very public way in order for us to acknowledge His sovereignty over every facet of our lives. Since I can’t speak to each of you personally for everything you have done for me and my family, please accept this letter as my “thank you”—a valentine from a grateful “new” heart!

people Development Finding His Calling Through SufferingBrian Rhen

In spring of 2004, I was walking into the Good Friday service and my cell phone rang. The voice was unfamiliar and somber. “Brian, this is Eric Girard’s dad calling. Eric is in Stanford hospital and has been diagnosed with testicular cancer, which has metastasized. I believe he’d appreciate it if you came down to visit.” After promising a visit, I closed my phone, took a deep breath to absorb the overwhelming news and looked into the glorious dusk sky. Like the news of the moment amidst the backdrop of the evening, the scenario did not fit the faith journey of my friend.

Four years prior, in his early thirties, Eric Girard began to experience PCC. An educated, well-traveled, focused professional, Eric loved adventure, yearned for relational stability and was interested in spiritual things. Though

pLuS - I Believe!George Gill

i believe that God spared my life for a purpose

┼ i believe that prayers overcame each health crisis i encountered

┼ i believe that support of family and church helped speed my recovery

Late last summer, I underwent open chest heart surgery to replace my aortic valve, plus three artery bypasses. The thoracic surgeon who operated on me at Sequoia Hospital was challenged successively with one health crisis

after another: My kidneys failed and dialysis had to be performed to flush them out. After the operation, my lungs and chest cavity filled with fluid, and I had to be rushed back to the operating table, opened again and all the fluids drained. Back in ICU, I had a seizure, then later the doctors discovered I had developed a blood clot in my right leg. But through God’s grace I made it! I will always be eternally grateful to God for endowing my surgeon and other medical personnel their exceptional, life-saving skills.

I believe that instrumental in my astonishing recovery has been the power of prayer. My family constantly prayed, pleading with God for my life. My Plus Sunday school class bathed each day I was in the ICU with prayer. My daughter Joanna kept many of you abreast of my condition with her many touching and eloquent e-mails. My entire church community rallied to pray for me. My retired colleagues, many who have relatives and friends around the world, were also praying for me. I cannot believe for one single minute that our God did not hear these prayers! I truly believe that prayer is the bedrock foundation of our faith.

When I finally opened my eyes,