The GrapevineV o l u m e 5 6 • I s s u e 1 2 • d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1A Publica

tion of Fremont Presbyterian Church

Christmas at Fremont 2011Christmas Eve WorshipSaturday, december 24Family Worship – 4:00 pmJoin us for a special service in our Community Life Center designed for families and children to experi-ence the wonder of Christmas, with a special mes-sage for children. The children’s choirs will help your family celebrate the birth of Christ. Childcare provided (Infant – age 2).

modern Worship – 5:30 pmCelebrate the coming of Jesus with your family in the midst of trees and garlands in the Community Life Center. This service will feature the Center Wor-ship Team playing favorite Christmas carols. A short Christmas message will be shared by Pastor Donald Baird. Invite your friends so they can experience the wonder of Christ’s birth with the extended Fremont family. Childcare provided (Infant – age 5.)

Candlelight serviCes – 7:00, 9:00 & 11:00 pmExperience the warmth and beauty of worshipping the newborn Christ by candlelight. Led by Pastor Donald Baird, the Sanctuary Choir, organ and instru-mentalists, these services are a highlight of the sea-son for many, with favorite carols and moving candle pageantry in a warm and inviting setting. Childcare provided for the 7:00 p.m. service only (Infant – age 5 ).

“A Christmas Celebration”featuring Children’s Musical & the Fremont Music Academy

tuesday, deCember 6, 6:30 pmcommunity Life center Join our Children’s Choirs as they present “Census Time in Bethlehem” – a musical about the Names of Jesus. Also per-forming will be the Fremont Music Academy Band and Or-chestra. Before the performance, join the Fremont family for dinner at 5:30 ($6 – Adults, $4 – Children, $19 – Family).

“The Glorious Sounds of Christmas”Friday, deCember 9 at 7:00 p.m.saturday, deCember 10 at 7:00 p.m.sunday, deCember 11 at 7:00 p.m.Invite a friend to experience the glorious sounds of Christmas from the baroque to the contemporary in Fremont’s spectacu-larly decorated sanctuary. The 95-voice Fremont Choir and Or-chestra present a festive Christmas Concert featuring Vivaldi’s “Gloria” along with several Christmas carol favorites year. Tick-ets are free, but will be required for admission. The tickets will be marked Friday, Saturday or Sunday and there will be a limit of 8 tickets/family. The tickets guarantee seating from 6:30 to 6:45 pm. After 6:45, any open seats will be offered to those without tickets. Childcare provided (Infant – age 5). A freewill offering will be taken.

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December Worship Schedule“The Prophet’s Promise”

Christmas Eve • December 244:00 PM - Family WorshipDr. Donald H. Baird, preaching

5:30 PM - Modern WorshipDr. Daniel C. Willson, preaching

7:00, 9:00, 11:00 PM - Candlelight ServiceDr. Donald H. Baird, preaching

Christmas Day • December 25Classic 8:55 AM • Modern 11:00 AMDr. Daniel C. Willson, preaching“a prince peaceful enough”Isaiah 9:2-7; John 14:25-31

December 4Classic 8:55 AM • Modern 11:00 AMDr. Donald H. Baird, preaching“a wonderful counselor” Isaiah 9:2-7; John 14:15-17Communion

December 11Classic 8:55 AM • Modern 11:00 AMDr. Donald H. Baird, preaching“a god big enough”Isaiah 9:2-7; Matthew 1:18-25New Members

December 18Classic 8:55 AM • Modern 11:00 AMDr. Donald H. Baird, preaching“a father loving enough”Isaiah 9:2-7; John 17:20-26

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

Periodicals postage paid at Sacramento, CA.

Postmaster: Please send address changes to address above.

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

Hours: Mon. - Fri., 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Sun., 8:30 AM-12:30 AM

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

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( - - - - - - - - - - marathon route)

PLan ahead for the caLifornia marathonSunday, december 4th

on sunday, december 4th, Fair Oaks Boulevard, J Street and the H Street Bridge will be closed for parts of the morning due to the California Inter-national Marathon. Remember to plan ahead for your alternate route and leave earlier than usual.

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

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

Our Christmas Eve services are an impor-tant time of outreach to our community. You can be a gift to those who come to our worship services by volunteering to help take care of the babies in the nurs-ery at 4:00 pm, 5:30 pm or 7:00 pm. If you can help in this special way, please contact Kerry Finley in Children’s Ministry 452-7132 ext. 232.

Be a Gift

If you’ve ever considered sharing an hour and a half with the church a month, become an usher today! The 9 am service is in need of a number of ushers. It’s an easy way to meet people and serve your church family. Call Cheryl Cobbs at 916-376-9238 or Barbara Koenigsmark at 916-731-5419.

Become an Usher!

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A Note From Pastor Don

“What is it that you can’t get or do for yourself, nor can anyone else, that only God can get for you?”

Generally, I think of Christmas as the “season of giving,” but my most frustrat-ing and memorable experiences of Christmas have to do with “asking.” When I was young I recall being asked what I wanted for Christmas and wondering, do I ask for the possible or the impossible? How big should I go? Once I asked for a “real live monkey” … and got it. Then, when I became a father, I recall asking my children what they wanted for Christmas … and they usually told me. Now, as a grandfather, I am once again being asked and I don’t know what to say. The really critical stuff, I guess, I get for myself, not waiting for Christmas and the uncritical stuff I can never think of…until after Christmas. Oh well.

As I thought of this curiosity, this wonder of Christmas, it occurred to me that Christmas is really Christmas in both the giving and the asking. What is it that you can’t get or do for yourself, nor can anyone else, that only God can get for you? What is it that is missing from your life that, if you had it, would make your life so much more fulfilled, meaningful and hopeful? You might say, “Peace,” or “more love,” or “a life companion,” or “eternal life,” or some equally impossible ask. Why not ask for the impossible and who better to ask of it than God? After all, is this not also what Christmas is about?

Really, Christmas is about God answering the “ask” of a 1,000 years for a Sav-ior who would bring permanent Peace, Justice, Hope and Life into the world … and He did. The people asked, the prophets promised and then God answered through an angel, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Lk 2:11–14).

Go ahead, ask for the impossible. After all, it is Christmas.

Merry Christmas,

Christmas, A Time of Asking

did you know that there is a world renowned seminary on the campus of our church? that’s correct.. neW Class at Fuller seminary: medieval & reFormation history Taught by Dr. Johnson, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Saturday, Jan 14, 28, & Feb 11, 25. The cost to audit this class is $250. Contact Lanaea Beam at 916 452-2855 to register for this great class at Fuller Seminary!

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FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CHURCH & MEET OUR LEADERSHIP!

Ephesians 2:20

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New Member Classes, Sundays, 10:15 AM

January 8, 15, 22, and 29. Meet with the session on February 5, and Join on February 12.

hoW to sign-up: Questions about the classes? To sign-up for any of the Corner-stone New Members classes or if you have any questions, please call 916-452-7132 OR feel free to walk-in and join us. We look forward to seeing you there!

Mariners’ Angel TreeThis is our month to concentrate on Angel Tree, a ministry sponsored by the Fremont Mariner Fleet. All of the little angels have found homes now and the little elves are out busily buying and wrapping those gifts for the children of incarcerated persons. those gifts need to be in the church office no later than december 10th so we can have them ready for delivery on saturday, december 17th.

On December 17th we need people to deliver those gifts. Each deliver person will have about 6 families to deliver to and those families will be located in the same geographical area if possible. If this sounds like something you or you and your family would like to do please email us at jerryhaley@softcom.net or phone Jerry or Peggy Haley at 801-5292.

A reminder to skippers – it is time for the new directory and you need to get your 2012 info to the directory editor, Ken Moody as soon as possible. His email address is k_moody@earthlink.net or call him at 442-3503.

Thanks to everyone that helped make this year a success.

You are important to the Christian Education of our children. Our kids need you. We need teachers and helpers on Sunday mornings. Every-thing you need is provided. All you need is a willingness to serve and be blessing to our kids…and get blessed in the process! Please contact Angie Nevin, Children’s Ministry Program Assistant at cmpa@fremontpres.org.

Children’s Ministry

Vacation Bible SchoolJuly 9-13 2012

Save the Date!

StePhen miniSterS continue to minister in our congregation and community, work-ing with people who are experiencing such life crises as hospitalization, retirement, financial setback, the loss of a loved one, or any number of other difficulties people face in daily living. We are able at this time to offer the services of a Stephen Minis-ter. If you feel that you would like to have a Stephen Minister, or know of someone who would benefit from a one-on-one caring relationship, contact Charleen Gorrell, Referrals Coordinator, at 631-8616.

Stephen Ministry

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TNT - Tuesday Nights Together

Meets December 6th

3:30 - 5:50 pmchiLdren’S / youth muSic and artS ProgramS Contact Music Office 452-7132 ext. 231 or see page 6 for information on Children’s Music programs.

dinner, 5:30 pm - in cLcEnjoy a wonderful meal prepared each week for you, your family and your friends. Cost: $6 adults; $4 kids 5th grade and under; $19 family maximum. Yes, for $19 you can feed the whole family a full meal!

6:30 pm - in cLc“cenSuS time in bethLehem” Join us for this fully staged musi-cal presented by the Children’s Choirs. Also performing will be the Fremont Music Academy orchestra and band.

Adult Education Classes

Women’s MinistryWomen’s Retreat 2012April 27 -29 • Zephyr Point Conference Center.If you have question or would like to volunteer to help, please email Dana Jaime at dana@thejaimes.com

avenue support group for women: If you know someone who is need-ing help and support after discovering a spouse or boyfriend has an addic-tion to pornography, please call our confidential number: (916) 737-7729.

men’s trek, from 6:15 - 7:45 am at hoppy’s brewery. We invite all men for fellowship, growth and prayer. We will be studying the book “Wild at Heart” by John Eldredge. For more information, contact Stephen Wong, 428-9310.

• sunday, 10:15 am r. c. sproul series, led by David and Rebecca Beach

westminster confession, led by Martin Boersma

Young adults/professionals, a 5 week adult ed class on “The Trinity.” Questions? Email Brian Wyatt: brian@wyattlegal.com. • tnt, 6:30 - 7:30 pm Taking a break for the Christmas season. Classes resume Tuesday, January 3rd • thursday morning bible study, 10:00 am Jeremiah, led by Dr. Donald Baird

Men’s Ministry TREK

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children:• WiggLin’ WorShiP – Mommy/Daddy and me • Ages 3-4 yrs Tuesdays, 5:00 to 5:30 p.m.

• SonbeamS – Choir Grades K-1st Tuesdays, 5:00 to 5:50 p.m.

• pre-band (Beginning Recorder) Grades K-1 Tuesdays, 4:30 to 5:00 p.m.

• grace noteS – Handchimes Grades 2-5 Tuesdays 4:30 to 5:00 p.m.

• kingS kidS – Choir Grades 2-5 Tuesdays, 5:00 to 5:50 p.m.

Youth:• handbeLLS Grades 6-12 Tuesdays 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.

• SoundS of PraiSe - Choir Grades 6-12 Tuesdays 4:45 to 5:50 p.m.

adults:• Sanctuary choir - Choir – Adults Sings in 8:55 a.m. Classic service (8:00 a.m. call time). Rehearses Thursdays, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Music Room beginning Septem- ber 8 – Cheryl Eshoff, Director

• SaintS aLive! - Choir - Seniors Sings about once a month in 8:55 a.m. Classic Service. Rehearses Wednesdays, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. in the Music Room, beginning September 28 – Bob Hearst, Director

For more information, call the Music Office 452-7132 or e-mail: cheryl@fremontpres.org or visit our website: www.fremontpres.org.

Music & Worship Arts Programs for All Ages!

Prayer on Sundays 10:00 AM

Gathering RoomPlease join the Fremont family in prayer between worship services in the Gathering Room, off the arcade, between the Sanctuary and the courtyard. This is a chance for our congregation to seek the Lord in prayer, asking him to lead.

Christmas Concerts7:00 PM • December 9, 10, 11Due to the popularity of Fremont’s Christmas Concerts, admis-sion will be a little different this year. Tickets are free, but will be required for admission. Tickets are available on Tuesday nights at TNT, Sunday mornings after worship and online. They will be marked Friday, Saturday or Sunday and there will be a limit of 8 tickets/family. The tickets guarantee seating from 6:30 to 6:45 pm. After 6:45, any open seats will be offered to those without tickets.

Performance begins at 7:00 PM

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For HigH ScHool,contact lysle Spangler: lysle@fremontpres.org.check out our website:

oneelement.org

college: Fusion. connect with other college 20’S & grow in your relationship with christ. contact Brian Dougherty: Brian@fremontpres.org.

For For more inFo: jorDan@FremontpreS.org

For jr. HigH: cHeck out our weBSite For eventS!:

my1liFe.org

Junior High Ministry • High School Ministry • College 20’s Ministry

The Church Office will be closed . . . in observance of the Christmas and New Year Holidays: monday, december 26, 2011 and monday, January 2, 2012.

Dear Fremont Family, The current Fremont Family Con-nectors’ Program has replaced the Shepherds Program and is designed to reach every member of our church family with a Connector. Con-nectors contact several members four times a year through person-al visits, a phone call, a note, or a card. Then four times a year, a Connector will turn in a checklist and receive a new form.

The pastors would very much like to know about emergencies, such as members who have become housebound, hospitalized, sched-uled for surgery, grieving, facing divorce or have concerns – even complaints – and need someone to talk to. Connectors would only share information with the church with a member’s permission. Connectors are great listeners.

We need at least 30 more volunteers to join us as Connectors so that every member will be cared for by a Connector. Even if you are housebound, but you like to reach out to others through phone calls, notes or cards., we would love to hear from you. There are only four meetings a year and our next Connectors’ Meeting will be Wednesday, January 11, 2012. If you would like more information please call Mike or Joanne Butler at (916)451-6866.

Sincerely,

Connector Leaders: Mike and Joanne Butler, Joan Hunnicutt, Char Gezi, Dave and Cheryl Freeman and Dan Willson

We have 32 players consisting of four groups with two tables each who play four times a year in private homes. Scores are collected and sent to the chairman. a new date of thursday, January 5, 2012, 7:00 - 9:00 pm will be our play-off party in the Geneva Room. The winners will receive gift certificates from the Fremont Boookstore. Irene Ryder and Virginia Nelson will provide refreshments. We will kick off our new season of Mariners’ Bridge on January 5.

Mariners’Bridge

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Jamaica Medical MissionOnly 10 weeks to go!! Our depar-ture date, February 17th, is getting

closer and we’re getting more excited with each passing day. We continue to prepare, order, and organize our supplies and

finalize those smaller details. (Do you think Santa will bring me a solar shower for Christmas?) In mid Febru-ary, our medical mission team led by Dr. Pat Tansey-Mitzner will travel to Manchester Parish in the mountains of central Jamaica where we will staff rural health clinics and provide both physical and spiritual care.

Our team will bring with us all the medications necessary to provide the people of Manchester, Jamaica with the medications they need for their various illnesses and chronic diseases. These medications will include both over the counter and prescription medications at no cost to the pa-tient. The 2010 medical mission trip provided over 5,000 prescriptions in a 2 week period. Wow!

YOU CAN HELP!! We have resources available to purchase these medica-tions at or below cost. A fund has been set up at Fremont and is available for your contributions. Checks should be made out to Fremont Presbyte-rian Church with the notation that they are for the “Jamaica STM Fund.” Please prayerfully consider what you spend on a regular basis for medi-cine for you and your family and make your donation to help us alleviate the medication shortage in Jamaica.

We are eagerly anticipating our opportunity to serve the Jamaican people with our Heavenly Father’s help and we invite you to participate in what He is doing. It is a privilege to serve our Lord and show His love to others. Part of our joy comes in giving them practical help with medications that you, our supporters back at home, provide. As we continue to organize and prepare for this exciting mission trip, we covet your prayers. Please pray:

• That our travel plans would continue to progress smoothly• That we would be able to collect adequate medical and dental supplies and that sufficient medications can be attained.• That God would prepare the hearts of our future Jamaican patients• That God would continue to strengthen our team and work through us to glorify Him.

Beyond providing proper medical and dental care to the people of Ja-maica, we will be introducing them to the Great Physician, the healer of both bodies and souls. In a culture needing help and care, we go to sup-ply medicine, but more importantly, to introduce our patients to the true Healer, Jesus Christ.

If you have any questions, please contact Pat Mitzner at 683-4389

“…and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of god and to heal the sick.” luke 9:2

this year’s Christmas Joy offering will be taken on the last sunday in advent, december 18. The of-fering will be divided evenly be-tween the assistance program of the board of pensions and pow-erhouse ministries in the Folsom prison area.

The Assistance Program helps retired missionaries and minis-ters who have urgent financial or housing needs and have no other resources available. The program is totally funded by donations, en-dowments and the Christmas Joy offering. Retired missionaries do not have big pensions and should have something to fall back on in case of an emergency. Over the years Fremont has supported the ministries of missionaries in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Brazil, Mexico and Thailand. All of them are now retired. We want to continue our support for them in their retirement and hav-ing funds available to meet their unexpected needs is our way of saying thank you and we are still your ministry partners.

Powerhouse Ministries was found-ed as an outreach to the families

Christmas Joy Offering

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plans are be-ing finalized for the 2012 mission Con-ference set for saturday, Feb. 4, sun-day, Feb 5 and tuesday, Feb. 7.

On Tuesday evening our long term missionary partners, Byron and Annette Harrison, will be sharing about their 20 year journey with Wyc-liffe Translators. We are including a brief infor-mational profile of them. Annette worked at Fremont as a secretary from 1987 to 1989 and Byron worked here as a cus-todian for a few months in1988. Annette was born in Japan and moved to Ger-many at age 4. She spent the rest of her child-hood in Germany. She went to college in Iowa and majored in French. She graduated in 1985, the year they married. Byron was born in San Jose, California and moved to Sacramento as a child. He moved to Germany when he was 16 and they met there. They left for French Language study in 1992 and spent one year in formal Language Study. In 1993-94 they went to the south of France where they worked in the Wycliffe France of-fice. In 1995 they left for Burkina Faso. After 18 months in Burkina, they went to neigh-boring Niger for about five years. After Niger they worked in Congo, Brazzaville and then in Central African Republic. Between Niger and the Congo they attended Graduate School. An-nette has doctorate in Linguistics and Byron has a Masters in Missiology. Their big passion is empowering Africans to take up the work themselves. This is happen-ing in a big way in Central African Republic and in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Please mark your 2012 Calendar for February 7 and come listen to this gifted couple.

Meet Our Wycliffe Mission Partners

Meet Our Retired MissionariesFremont has had a long relationship with missionaries who are now retired. Here is more information about some of them who may benefit from your donations to the Christmas Joy Offering.

dr. sherron george served for more than 30 years as a mis-sionary and regional liaison in South America. She retired at the end of 2010. She taught at several seminaries through-out South America and is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese. She was a theological consultant for Latin America. Recently, she wrote Better Together in which she advocated for the importance of partnerships in mission work.

Another seminary instructor was bill Yoder who also served as dean of the McGilvary Faculty of Theology preparing min-isters for churches in Thailand. He retired in 2007 after 42 years of service. He is now serving as a long-term volunteer in Thailand.

rev. bill soldwisch served as co-director of Pueblos Herma-nos, the Presbyterian Border Ministry in the San Diego-Tijua-na area. In this role he worked with churches and focused on proclaiming the Gospel, building relationships and providing community health services. He retired in 2009.

dr. mike and nancy haninger served faithfully at Good Shep-herd Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His pri-mary role was educating medical and nursing students while emphasizing reduced maternal and newborn injury. Among Nancy’s duties were supervising a regional nutrition rehab center for severely malnourished children and supporting a program for widows, orphans and handicapped persons. They retired in 2009.

of prisoners. They emphasize how the light of Christ can turn people’s lives around. They have programs for adults, youth and children and also provide free medical care and food along with referrals to social service agencies. At their Transitional Center they have a 2-year Christ-centered pro-gram which gives women the tools they need to recover and become self-sufficient. They follow Matthew 25:40 which states “whatever you did for one of the least of these broth-ers or sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Please keep these recipients in prayer and give generously to the Christmas Joy offering.

(Christmas Joy Offering continued from previous page)

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Family Promise Dec. 11-18Up to four families and/or 14 peo-ple will be coming to stay at Fremont the week of December 11 to 18. Indi-viduals and groups are needed to host the families. Hosting includes helping to prepare a dinner, spending the night or helping with set up, take down or laundry. The sign up board is in Fergu-son Hall and will be available after wor-ship on Sundays in November and early December. For additional information call Ruth Range 485-9773.

Wicker BasketsThe wicker baskets in the narthex and atrium areas are available for your do-nation of items needed by the agencies that serve the homeless in Sacramento – Maryhouse, Mustard Seed School, Francis House, Loaves & Fishes. Hy-giene items are always needed. Other items needed especially at this time are large diapers, toilet paper, men’s socks, reading glasses (Dollar Tree), disposable razors and deodorant. For a list of other needed items check the mission bulletin board in the Ministry Center hallway.

Local Mission

Due to a conflict with the 2012 Women’s Retreat, the go team has rescheduled go day to saturday, april 14. Please note this on your cal-endars. The most urgent need now is for a GO Day coordinator, project ideas and project coordinators. It’s not too early to start planning. If you would like to be involved in reaching out around Sacramento please contact Marcia Garrison at 916 383-7118 or plmgarr@comcast.net.

GO Day Date Change, April 14

Thanks to all Fremonters who participated in Convoy of Hope on Saturday, Nov. 5. Fremont joined 100 other churches to

bring hope to those in need. With all the unemployment and underemployment in the Sacramento area the response was

almost double what it was in 2010 with more than 13,000 recipi-ents. Fremonters served by supplying medical assistance, handing out food bags and clothing, praying and inputting assistance data. What a wonderful way to express Christ’s love in our community.

Convoy of Hope

Sacramento Literacy Programthe sacramento literacy program, begun in 1968 by Fremont Presbyterian Church, continues its volunteer service to our community. Director Mary Buehler is ably assisted by Elaine Moody in administering the project. Mary is in the Literacy Office in Westminster C on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and works by appointment to interview and assess the learning needs of prospective adult students, as well as to train volunteer tutors from our congregation and sister churches.

Call Mary, 631-0594 or at the Literacy Office, 456-0437. Give two hours a week to tutor an adult in basic reading, writing and speaking skills in English. Textbooks provided. Our Local Mission Committee helps to fund books, phone service and postage/printing needs.

You are needed, for you can read, but one out of five adults in our com-munity cannot. One of Jesus’ main roles was as a teacher, and He urged others to use their God-given talents to help those around them.

Presently, we have many students waiting for volunteer tutors. Their countries of origin include Korea, China, Pakistan, Mexico and Russia. You are offered a choice of students, and we work around your times of availability and your home location.

Give the gift that goes on giving! Give the gift of English literacy to an adult in our community.

Student Exchange Program

Open up your world, by hosting an ex-change student through amicus, Young life’s exchange student program! Are you looking for a way to maximize your impact for the Kingdom of God while you live out everyday life? Introduce your family to another culture, language and build lifelong international friendships. Learn more at www.gowithamicus.org or call Cheryl Noack at 916-806-0092. I’d love to talk with you!

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For information about any trips, contact lu bakken at (916) 481-2035 or Kathy bos at Kb’s travel [cst#207972040], (916) 689-5117. Brochures/flyers for all trips are available from Lu or the church office. Everyone is welcome to join our trips.

FLY WITH FIRS!

day trip: sunday, deCember 4, 2011. Woodland op-era theatre for a 2:00 p.m. performance of an old favorite, “irving berlin’s, white christmas.” This play will bring back memories and get us in the mood for Christmas! Cost: $51.75 per person. Because the California International Marathon is the same day, we can meet at the church at 12:30 p.m. and leave at 12:45 p.m. for the 2:00 p.m. performance. We will eat after the performance at the recently opened Red Robin restaurant in Woodland. Return to the church approximately at 5:00 - 5:30 PM. Pickup a flyer from Lu Bakken after the 9:00 a.m. church service, the church office, or call Lu at 481-2035. Please pickup the flyer that says, “Revised Information” at the top of the flyer. Send your form as soon as possible. The tickets are nonrefundable. We need a minimum of thirty-five partici-pants for this trip not to be cancelled. Note: For your interest, search the California International Marathon Web site for the Road Closure/Open Schedule, or check out the information on page 2 of this Grapevine.

upComing trip possibilities in 2012 include the Tech Museum and the Winchester House in San Jose; the Bob Hope Theatre in Stockton; Napa Valley Wine Train; Jamestown; Peta-luma; Amador Flower Farms and visit to a local winery. Some ideas may be subject to change.

FiRS & Friends Seniors’ Travel

FiRSFriendship • Inspiration • Recreation • Service

Join the FIRS lunch bunch for a Christmas Party with a fully-catered luncheon in Ferguson Hall for only $10.00. We will enjoy beautiful Christmas music by the Saints Alive Choir. New officers will also be installed. If your caller misses you please call Jean Jones by 9:00 PM on Sunday evening, De-cember 11th (488-4157).

Luncheon, 11:30 AM

Wednesday, December 14th

Seniors Ministry

Prime Timers decorated pumpkins for the Health Ministry’s “Trunk-or-Treat” trunk. Such fun!

But Thursdays and Prime Time are a lot more than decorating pumpkins! If you are fifty-five or older you might want to join us for all or part of the day. It begins even before Dr. Baird’s Bi-ble study in the Chapel when the sounds of the domino players echo in Ferguson Hall. Coffee and tea awaits any and all who join in the many board games that are offerred. At ten o’clock some go on to Bible Study while others arrive to start a bridge game, Kings in the Corner or whatever suits their fancy. At eleven, a group of “walkers” take off for exercise in the River Park area or the campus (rainy weather doesn’t stop them! They take over the gym in the Commu-nity Life Center to give those hearts a workout.) A favorite for many is the low-impact “Qi Gong” exercise workout right there in Ferguson Hall.

Everyone brings a sack lunch and for $3, dessert and coffee or tea are provided. Conversations around those tables get pretty noisy as laughter and story telling about what’s going on in their lives now or in “the good old days” takes over. Pastor Dan joins us and he usually shares some topical humorous readings or writings that poke fun of “getting older.” Does everyone go home after lunch? Not on your life! It’s back to some serious board games or Mexican Train for an-other hour or two.

Why not give it a try some Thursday. You won’t be disappointed! Questions? Contact Jeanne Wallis at 488-3419 or Pastor Dan at the church office.

Prime Time! for Active Adults (55 +)

Prime Time Fun for 55+!

12 The Grapevine

Following are some action and informational items from the Session meeting of October 26, which might be of interest to the general congregation. These notes are not intended to reflect the total work of the Session at the meeting. If you are interested in more information about a particular item, please contact any member of Session.

This was the annual meeting with the Deacons. Fol-lowing dinner together, the Deacons presented a summary of all their excellent work this year. What a blessing to Fremont to have this dedicated team as the heart of the church.

There was a presentation by members of the Search Committee for a new Director of Children’s Ministry. They completed their work and brought a recommendation to hire Kimberly A. Shaw. Their recommendation was accepted. Ms. Shaw will be-gin work mid-November.

The Financial Report for September showed General Fund revenues (total) were $128,030 and expenses were $142,339, giving a loss for the month of $14,310. Year-to-date revenues of $1,256,537 were less-than-budget by $18,190, and year-to-date expenses of $1,373,975 were less-than-budget by $33,968, giving a year-to-date loss of $117,438, with a variance from Budget of a surplus of $15,778.

Work is beginning on the 2012 Budget. All ministry areas have submitted their budget requests.

An anonymous donor has given $12,500 for an Ethio-pian water system. Our Mission Ministry is working with others to try to find matching funds.

There were 597 members registered for the meeting. There was formal pro and con discussion and closing state-ments by The Reverend Tom Smith on behalf of the Dis-cernment Team and by Brian Wyatt on behalf of Session.

Paper ballots were used for the vote. The results were as follows: 591 total votes were cast; 296 votes were needed to pass the recommendation; 427 were ‘yes’ votes; 164 were ‘no’ votes. The motion passed.

--Elaine Moody, Clerk of Session

Session Notes of October 26th

Minutes from the October 16th Called Congregational Meeting are available for viewing in the church office. The purpose of the meeting was to vote on Session’s recommendation to seek dismissal from the Presbyterian Church (USA) and affiliate with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Actions:• Chose the following six people to offer to the Presby-

tery of Sacramento as our Negotiating Team members: Donald Baird, Marty Boersma, Patti Dusel, Mark Eshoff, Ken Moody and Carol Skinner.

• Approved disbursement of Presbytery’s share of 2011 per capita to them promptly, but to withhold Synod and General Assembly shares.

• Accepted the resignation from Session of Elder Don Davison with great regret. He has resigned due to health issues.

• Approved a revised Director of Children’s Ministry job description; the revision was to add a section on Vision and Leadership.

• Approved the recommendation to hire Kimberly Shaw as the Director of Children’s Ministry.

• Granted permission to serve Communion at the Lead-ership Retreat.

• Authorized the distribution of the Christmas Joy offer-ing: one-half to the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions for retired missionaries; one-half to Pow-erhouse Ministries.

• Authorized placement of the American and Christian flags in front, for the 8:55 service, on the floor and not on the raised platform, for three additional Sundays per year: Memorial Day, July 4 and Veterans Day. The rest of the Sundays the flags will remain in the Narthex as they are presently. This action will begin in 2012. Note: currently the flags are in front for the Kirkin’.

• Authorized Local Mission to partner with the Central Downtown Food Basket in opening a satellite location for non-perishable food distribution once a month at Fremont. Note: this will be discussed with the River Park Neighborhood Association before implementation.

--Elaine Moody, Clerk of Session

Congregational Meeting of October 16th

13

“The ‘Nevers’ of the Gospel”O Lord, may I never fail to come to the knowledge of the truth, never rest in a system of doctrine, however scriptural, that does not bring or further salvation, or teach me to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, or help me to live soberly, righteously, godly; never rely on my own convictions and resolutions, but be strong in thee and in thy might; never cease to find thy grace sufficient in all my duties, trials, and conflicts; never forget to repair to thee in all my spiritual distresses and outward troubles, in all the dissatisfactions experienced in creature comforts; never fail to retreat to Him who is full of grace and truth, the friend that loveth at all times, who is touched with feelings of my infirmities, and can do exceedingly abundantly for me; never confine my religion to extraordinary occasions, but acknowledge thee in all my ways; never limit my devotions to particular seasons but be in thy fear all the day long; never be godly only on the Sabbath or in thy house; but on every day abroad and at home; never make piety a dress but a habit not only a habit but a nature, not only a nature but a life.Do good to me by all thy dispensations, by all means of grace, by worship, prayers, praises,And at last let me enter that world where there is no temple, but only thy glory and the Lamb’s.

From The Valley of Vision / Available from the publisher, Banner of Truth Trust. Used with permission, and presented by Fremont’s Education Committee.

Year-End Reminders from the Bookkeeper

Please remember that year-end gifts must be postmarked or in the church office by Friday, December 30th.

Stock gifts are always appreciated, however, remember the transfer time (sometimes up to 2 weeks) if you want a 2011 gift. We need to know who you are, what you are transfer-ring, and where the gift is to go.

PLEASE SAVE AND CHECK CAREFULLY (WITH YOUR BANK STATEMENT) THE DETAILED GIV-ING STATEMENT YOU RECEIVE AFTER THE END OF NOVEMBER. Any corrections need to be reported during the month of December. In January you will only receive a summary of your 2011 giving by category, not by date.

Next year’s offering envelopes will be avail-able on Sunday, January 1st on the stage in Ferguson Hall. If you do not need envelopes (i.e. automatic giving), please let me know by December 11th. If you want envelopes to use regularly, and don’t have them now, please let me know by the 11th.

If you do not find envelopes there for you, and you plan to use them regularly, please sign the notepad, and they will be there next Sunday.

Thanks for your continued faithfulness. Have a GREAT CHRISTMAS SEASON!

--Carolyn Walden, Giving Secretary

Thanks to all of you for your cards, thoughts, and prayers during and after my unplanned hospitaliza-tion. Thankfully I am back to “normal.” --Carolyn Walden

Thank You!The October All-Church Workday went well, with most of the scheduled projects getting done. Building and Grounds thanks all those who showed up and participated. We need you, and appreciate what you do. Thank you all. Mike Landy has joined the Buildings and Grounds committee. Consider joining him on the committee.

Buildings & Grounds

14 The Grapevine

the tech team needs one or two people to help with the 8:55 a.m. services in the sanctuary. If you can help please contact Mike Mitchell at 452-7132 ext 255. Thank you.

Technical Support

Looking for a job?Check the Fremont Market-place on our website under “community.” www.fremontpres.org

DivorceCare is a special weekly seminar and support group for people who are separated or divorced.

Email Pat or Marcia: DivorceCare@fremontpres.org

Sundays from 6:00 – 8:00 Westminster Room

DIVORCECare

DIVORCESomeone you know is hurting

Sanctuary FlowersHonor the mem-ory of a loved one with flowers in the sanctuary on a Sunday morning. Remember someone special on a birthday or anniversary with flowers of celebration. Call Barbara Ken-nedy at 489-5665 to schedule a Sunday.

Making Plans for 2012? Why not consider a few days at Asilomar, by the Sea. The annual Retreat at that site is scheduled for may 4 thru 7 in 2012 (Friday dinner thru Monday lunch). Save the dates and watch for details in your January Grapevine.

Retreat at Asilomar

serving sunday morning pastries generously provided by

ettore’S bakery!

A Little Taste of Heaven . . .

Fremont Coffee Bar

serving Java City CoFFee, non-coffee drinkS and much more!

open sundays 8:30 – 11:30 am and during special events.

FremontBookstore

OPEn SunDAyS 10:00 Am - 1:00 Pm

your chriStian reSource in eaSt Sac“Come and check out the bookstore for your

Christmas card and gift needs”

Fremont’s tai Chi class is held on mondays in Ferguson hall at 9:30 am. Improve your balance, lower your blood pressure, relax and en-joy other health benefits. Newcom-ers are encouraged. Contact Lee Fairley, 359-4756.

Tai Chi Class

Clever Church Sign

Pastor/Head of StaffDr. Donald H. Baird

Associate Pastor - Congregational Care & MissionDr. Daniel Willson

Interim Minister for Congre-gational Life & Small GroupsJames Baird

Executive MinisterMark Eshoff

Minister of Music & Worship Arts Cheryl Eshoff

Minister of Modern Music and College/20’sBrian Dougherty

Director of Sr. High MinistryLysle Spangler

Director of Jr. High MinistryJordan Skinner

Director of Children’s MinistryKimberly Shaw

Director of Member Ministry (Interim)Kalen Skinner

Outreach CoordinatorCate Williams

Executive SecretaryCathy Cole

Administrative AssistantAmanda Jantz

OrganistStephen Drew

Technical Ministries CoordinatorMike Mitchell

Memorial CoordinatorJeanne Wallis

Parish NurseCarmen Enz

Children’s Program Assistant (Interim)Angie Nevin

Childcare/Nursery DirectorsKerry FinleyMelissa Hightower

Class oF 2013Russell Brown(Student Ministries)

Char Gezi (Member Care)

Chris Jaime (Development)

Ken Moody (Personnel)

Fremont Nursery School DirectorDu Willson

Publications CoordinatorBecky Lucero

Publications AssistantSteve Carey

Business ManagerJohn Walden

Facilities CoordinatorMelanie Andrews

Giving SecretaryCarolyn Walden

Accounting Clerk Linda Brown

Maintenance TechnicianMike Mitchell

CustodiansJason EdgeEduviguez GamesMike JeanAlice KakumbaBlanca LacayoChris McNally

Bookstore ManagerHeidi Taghavian

Coffee Bar ManagersAnn BrucePam Dolk

Class oF 2012Robert CookSara DunnEileen HughesMarie KootstraMarni LoveMarsie MottMike NevinLynne ReichLynn SnyderChuck Uribe

Class oF 2013Agnes AndersonAmanda DeferrariJim DeferrariCharleen GorrellLora HarrisMarcia HouseLorna SandersJanice Stone ThomasSteve SylvanusWes Yee

(*Moderator )

Elaine Moody (Clerk of the Session)

Class oF 2011Dale AustTimothy Aust*Katie DaySara DurhamPaul MillerBob NoslerRuth RangeRon RottHarriet Taylor

the SeSSion

Class oF 2011Andy Bodemeijer(Evangelism)

Sean Doherty(Outreach)

Brooks Erickson(Administration)

Dan Johnson(Spiritual Develop-ment)

Clair Parsh(Music & Arts)

Class oF 2012Marty Boersma(Adult Education)

Marcia Garrison (Mission)

Lynn Jordan(Nominating Committee)

Vicki Meyer(Worship Support)

Carol Skinner(Children’s Ministries)

FremonT presbyTerian church 15

DeaconS

church Staff

Sanctuary DecoratingWalking into the Sanctuary the first Sunday of December can take your breath away. The warmth of the lights, the green boughs and bright red poinsettias work together to create such an inviting atmosphere. Thousands will enter our sanctuary during Advent in anticipation of the birth of Jesus, our Savior. Won’t you consider giv-ing a few hours to be a part of this spectacular transformation?

Come to any or all of the following times:

tuesday, november 29th, starting at 7:30 p.m., we will be unpacking boxes and assembling trees.

saturday, deCember 3rd, From 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., decorate the church with a midday break for lunch (provided.)

tuesday, January 3rd, 7:30 p.m., we “strike the set,” repacking boxes and cleaning up. It takes a lot of hands to take everything down and pack it up in one short evening. If you would like to come in earlier during the day to get things started, or can help at one or more of these times, please contact Vicki at 452-7132 or email vicki@fremontpres.org. Come be a part of the fellowship and fun… and don’t forget to bring a friend!

Poinsettias for Fremont

give the gift of a PoinSettia!Our Sanctuary and CLC Decorating Teams are again of-fering Fremont members the opportunity to provide poinsettias for the Sanctuary and CLC, in memory of a loved one or in honor of a special person or occasion. Each $10 donation also helps with the cost of greens used at the church. To order, fill out this form and return it to the church office by sunday, december 12th.

i have enclosed $ ___________ ($10 each) for poinsettias. make checks payable to Fremont presbyterian Church (please print or type all information).

in memory of: ______________________________________

in honor of: ________________________________________

your name: ________________________________________

phone: ___________________________________________

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

5770 Carlson drivesaCramento, Ca 95819

(916) 452-7132WWW.Fremontpres.org

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

For the january issue: monday, december 5

place address label here

deadlineNOTE: Earlier deadline due to holiday schedule conflicts.