community connectionsstorage.cloversites.com/sanmarinocommunitychurch... · you and a more vibrant...
TRANSCRIPT
Community Connections
September 2016
San Marino Community Church 1750 Virginia Road San Marino, CA 91108Tel: (626) 282-4181Fax: (626) [email protected]
Dear Friends,
Have you heard the expression “the new normal?” While it is becoming more familiar to many, it tends to be used to describe the last stage of grief when finally “acceptance” of an unwanted intrusion in life occurs. Yet faith is always inviting us to explore a “new normal” that is both healthier and more constructive than the lives we tend to live. Perhaps this is the perfect season for a “new normal.”
For several years the expression “the new normal” has been gaining traction. I first heard it used in conjunction with someone grieving the loss of health, employment, or perhaps a loved one. Death of a loved one meant that eventually a “new normal” would emerge whereby the surviving spouse adjusted to living without their partner. It seemed a rather gentle or neutral way of describing the change brought about by some trauma or grief. The reference to trauma carried with it the connotation that it was an unwanted or unexpected change that prompted the new normal.
Following the financial crisis of 2008-09 the expression took on financial implications. In the aftermath of the global recession the term was used to imply that something which had previously been abnormal has now become commonplace. Adjusting to what was once unthinkable or at least unusual but is now normal became the implication. There was even a sitcom that ran briefly in 2012 with that name!
The New Normal
The Rev. Jeffrey V. O’GradyPastor
The
Fou
ndat
ion
of S
an M
arino
Com
munit
y Chu
rch
Invite
s You
To
Cele
brat
e 75!
A sp
ecial
even
ing to
hono
rS
an M
arino
Com
munit
y Chu
rch’s
75
th Y
ear A
nnive
rsary
Sun
day,
Oct
ober
9th
, 201
6S
an G
abrie
l Cou
ntry
Club
350
Eas
t Her
mosa
Driv
e, S
an G
abrie
l
6:00
pm
Rec
eptio
n H
onor
ing T
he C
orne
rston
e Soc
iety
7:00
pm
Dinn
er
Gue
st S
peak
er R
ev. G
rego
ry J.
Boy
le, S
.J.
Foun
der a
nd E
xecu
tive D
irect
or
of H
omeb
oy In
dust
ries
The Foundation of San Marino Community Church
Invites You To
Celebrate 75!A special evening to honor
San Marino Community Church’s 75th Year Anniversary
Sunday, October 9, 2016San Gabriel Country Club
350 East Hermosa Drive, San Gabriel
6:00 pm Reception Honoring The Cornerstone Society
7:00 pm Dinner Guest Speaker Rev. Gregory J. Boyle, S.J.
Founder and Executive Director of Homeboy Industries
$100/personContact [email protected]
Continued on page 2.
and meaning to all of our lives and to the surrounding community and world. Attend worship more regularly and contribute to the community in some new way. Join a small group or get involved with one of our many mission partners. Join the choir or help with working in the kitchen at the Annual Meeting. Check out the Ministry Fair on September 11 and read through this newsletter and the enclosed ministry guide for all the opportunities available to you. September is a great time for joining. So join me in making the “new normal” a healthier you and a more vibrant community of faith. Let’s raise the bar. Let’s create together the world we want to live in and live into the world as the Lord created it to be.
In Christ,
Rev. Jeffrey O’Grady, Pastor
Fall Book Study: on God’s Side by Jim wallisAt such a critical crossroads in our country’s history, people are looking for commonsense voices on the right and left who are willing to ask difficult questions. Jim Wallis is one of those voices… In On God’s Side, Wallis challenges Christians to think deeply about our world’s greatest problems. You might not always agree with his conclusions, but every chapter of this book will stretch your mind, challenge your thinking, and push you to consider the hope summed up in its opening words: “Our life together can be better.”
Study begins the week of Sunday, September 18.•Study guides are available for small groups.•Adult Education meets Sundays at 10:15 am, Fellowship Hall.•Purchase books in church office, or at sign-ups on August 28.•
Want to join a small group? Contact [email protected] or (626) 282-4181 x 20.
I find it unfortunate that the expression is associated with crisis, trauma, and grief. We all need a “new normal,” just not one that we didn’t expect and can’t avoid like a financial recession, illness, or death. Why can’t the abnormal that is becoming commonplace be something like healthier lives, more functional families, closer communities, greater generosity, and deeper faithfulness? Often people have a sense for what “new normal” they would like see in their own and their family’s life. This is a perfect time to reach for it.
What new habits would you like to see in your life? What new commitments are you prepared to make to see yourself and those you love in a better place? What contribution are you going to make so that what is abnormal now becomes commonplace? The church community is here to help you “discover, experience, rejoice, and respond” in ways that bring joy
Rev. Jan CookSenior Associate Pastor
a Season of Change“I am about to do something new. It is beginning to happen even now. Don’t you see it coming? I am going to make a way for you to go through the desert. I will make streams of water in the dry and empty land.” – Isaiah 43:19 (NRSV)
I have always found these words from Isaiah exciting and yet they touch a complexity of emotions that often reflect the best and the worst of my level of comfort with change. Even in the midst of the energy and excitement of knowing that God’s Spirit is on the move I recognize that, for me, change is hard. I know that with change, any change, we experience a sense of loss of what was and so we grieve. I also recognize that all it takes for me to feel disoriented is to go to Costco and find they have switched aisles for my staples like hummus and salsa! I know it sounds silly but it’s true.
We are in a season of wonderful change here at San Marino Community Church. And I can’t help but wonder if there are others who have challenges with change as I do. For some strange reason that would be comforting. We are saying goodbye to our
11:15 am Gathering worship service and making way for a brand new experience with the 10:30 am Classic Service. The Deacons are working through all the changes that we will be asking you to partner on. You will see an energy coming from this team that will be focused on making opportunities for us to develop a caring culture throughout the entire congregation as we develop new ministries of prayer and lay visitation. These are just a few of the changes coming and others will work their way in as we listen to the Holy Spirit.
And then into the midst of all this comes this word from the Lord, “I am about to do something new…” and I am comforted and excited and ready for God’s adventure even as I struggle with letting go. I certainly cannot know what God has in mind for us (my vision would be far too small and limiting!) but I do know this; God is a wonderful, surprising God and is capable of everything possible and impossible! What I can do is pay attention to God at work and bear witness to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and then it is up to me to either get out of the way or jump on board with everything I’ve got. I hope you will jump with me!
ministry Fair: looking Back/looking ForwardSunday, September 11, 10:00-10:30 am, Friendship Courtyard
The halls of our church seem to continuously ring with the beautiful sound of voices. Each week there are music practices, leadership meetings, and small groups and classes all experiencing what it means to follow Jesus.
Take a moment to consider that this has been going on at San Marino Community Church for 75 years. At this year’s Ministry Fair, held between worship services, our many ministries will come together to celebrate the journey we share and all that God will do in the coming months, years, and decades. We will have games, snacks and lots of fun.
Questions? Want to be sure your ministry is represented? Please contact me at [email protected] or (626) 282-4181 x 30.
Rev. James BairdAssociate Pastor for Contemporary Worship and Community Outreach
Sunday SchoolEvery Sunday, 9:00 amGrow in faith learning about God’s love in Jesus through age-appropriate lessons and activities.
9:00 am Sunday School•3, 4, & 5 year olds meet in their Lower Courtyard classroom at 9:00 am.Children (K-5) attend 9:00 am worship with their parents, and are dismissed during worship to Sunday school in the upstairs classrooms.
10:15 am Children’s Programming•Children of all ages learn together in the Lower Courtyard at 10:15 am.
All Day Childcare (7:30 am – 12:30 pm)•Offered on Sundays for infants and toddlers in the Lower Courtyard.
Interested in being a Sunday school teacher or helper? Contact [email protected].
Children’s ministries: “Planting Seeds of Faith”Pastor Becca Bateman, [email protected] (626) 282-4181 x 29
Third Grade BiblesSunday, September 25Breakfast: 8:00 am, Community RoomPresentation: 9:00 am, Sanctuary & Fellowship HallAll third graders are invited to be part of this year’s Bible Presentation Celebration, receiving their own Bible in worship! Please contact [email protected] with full name for inscription by Tuesday, September 6.
american Girls & TreeclimbersWednesdays twice a month, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pmFirst meeting: Wednesday, September 21, upstairs classroomsChurch-going boys and girls might think a little differently about jealousy, making friends, grief, time for church, what to say when tongue tied, how to stand up for oneself, or how to build a fort when they just want to be alone to think. Come experience this small group fellowship for 3rd – 5th grade children.
music & Discovery returns 9/14!Wednesdays after school until 4:15 pmJoin this spiritually based choral music and creative arts ministry for school-age children. Each semester, children will have the opportunity to lead in worship with a full-length musical. $100/child, per semester. M&[email protected].
acolytes (4th & 5th graders)Sunday mornings (Training September 18 & 25)Let your light shine and help lead others in worship! Acolytes are fourth and fifth grade students who light and extinguish the candles at the beginning and end of the Traditional Worship service. Contact [email protected].
Cave Quest VBS a Success!July 25-29, the San Marino Community Church campus was transformed into a spectacular, subterranean extravaganza! Over 150 kids climbed, crawled, and crafted their way through games, art projects, creative snacks, music, and important lessons about the presence of God in everyday experiences. Kids learned to “follow the light of Jesus” in fun and memorable ways. At the VBS: Illuminated worship service, children sang He is the Light and This Little Light of Mine in English, Mandarin and Spanish! The service project for the week brought in over 25 backpacks full of school supplies for Friends in Deed, Pasadena.
logos: high School FellowshipWednesdays, 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm, Westminster HallBeginning, Wednesday, September 7
Students share a meal together, spend time in small groups studying the Bible, discuss current events, and talk about being a Christian in high school today and what that looks like. A safe space for students as they grow into adulthood. Sophia Alecci, High School Director, [email protected].
Student ministriesMaking disciples, who are authentically walking with Christ, within the context of a Christian community
Confirmation ClassSunday Mornings, 10:15 am, Westminster HallThose in ninth grade (or older who have not yet been confirmed) learn the basics of the Reformed Christian faith. Participants create a statement of faith and enjoy a weekend retreat. Confirmands are received into full church membership in the spring. Rev. Becca Bateman, [email protected].
roots: middle School FellowshipSundays, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, Westminster HallBeginning, Sunday, September 12
Middle schoolers (6-8th grade) worship together with music and in small groups each week. Leaders walk alongside students as they develop spiritually and emotionally and offer a safe place for them to ask questions. Brad Tsushima, Middle School Director, [email protected]
middle School overnighter! (Cost: $25)August 27, 8:00 pm – 8:00 am, Westminster Hal
SmCC ringersRehearsals: Tuesdays, 7:00-8:15 pm, Choir RoomThis non-audition handbell choir is open to everyone sixth grade and older. They play during select worship services and at Christmastime. Elizabeth Kerstein, Director, [email protected].
mission/outreach
During the summer, members and friends donated over 30 backpacks, three large boxes of assorted school supplies, t-shirts, and $129.00 to mission partner Friends in Deed to provide school supplies for children from lower income families. VBS students contributed over 25 more backpacks full of supplies. Thank you for giving generosly!
Support mission Partner Fall events!monte Vista Grove homes annual Fall SaleSaturday, October 1, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm, 2889 San Pasqual, PasadenaClothes, furniture, plants, books, and household items are for sale in the Grove Shops. Admission is free. Lunch available for purchase from The Fresh Gourmet. Contact (626) 796-6135 or [email protected].
Friends In Deed: Jazz on the GreenWednesday, September 28, 6:00-9:30 pm, Castle Green (99 S. Raymond Ave.)Tickets: $95. The event features “The Music of Michael Haggins.” Honorees include the legacy of Norma Marx, the Pasadena California Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Kaiser Permanente. Program ads and sponsorships are available. Contact (626) 797-2402, [email protected], or FriendsInDeedPas.org.
la Casa de San Gabriel’s 70th anniversary awards DinnerWednesday, October 6, San Gabriel Hilton Hotel (225 W Valley Blvd.) Help La Casa celebrate 70 years of ministry to families in need throughout the San Gabriel Valley. LaCasaCommunityCenter.org.
love KitsSundays, 9/18, 10/16 & 12/4Intended for members to give to homeless people they meet, Love Kits are available for assembly in the courtyard between services. Kits contain nutritional and hygiene oriented products as well as a personal note and encouraging Scripture. Contributions of kit items are welcomed. Contact [email protected].
Christmas mission marketNovember 13, 9:00 am – 11:00 am, Fellowship CourtyardChoose non-traditional gifts by partnering with mission projects from around the world. Choose from warm blankets, micronutrient packets for children, seeds, chicks, bees, buffalo and more! [email protected].
Thanksgiving offeringReceived November 30 Support SMCC mission partner Iglesia de la Comunidad Presbyterian Church in Highland Park’s food bank with cash donations. Nonperishable food donations are welcomed year round. See the carts at worship.
Save The Date: Upcoming mission/outreach opportunities
Friends In Deed Backpack Thank You!
NewS, NewS, NewSAll the latest activities and events
men’s BreakfastWednesdays, 7:00 am meal, 7:30 am speaker,Fellowship HallJoin in breakfast, fellowship, and stimulating conversation from knowledgeable speakers. [email protected]/14 – TBD9/21 – Rev. Jeff O’Grady “Bowling Alone” The changing nature of American Society9/28 – Rev. Jeff O’Grady “Ripped from the Headlines” Current events
Veterans Day PhotosPhotos of veterans are requested for a special presentation for Contemporary worship on Sunday, November 8. Contact [email protected] or (626) 282-4181 x 30.
Dinners for 7 or 8Friday or Saturday, September 23 or 24. Deadline to register: Friday, September 9. Join in an evening gathering in homes for a shared potluck dinner. Meet and get to know fellow church members! To join a dinner, register for mailings, or for information contact coordinators Bill and Janet Wells at (626) 355-7721 or [email protected]. Future dinners: November 18/19, January 27/28, March 24/25, and May 19/20.
2016/17 Flower CalendarRecognize significant dates, honor or remember loved ones, and bring glory to God through providing flowers for worship. Sign up in the church office or (626) 282-4181 or [email protected].
New member/Inquirers’ ClassClass: Saturday, October 8, 8:30 am - 12:00 pmInterested in learning more about San Marino Community Church? Considering joining the congregation as a member? Attend the new member class! The pastors present an overview of Christian belief, Church history, and an orientation to SMCC. Those interested in membership will be received by the Session on Sunday, October 9 and introduced to the congregation in all three worship services. Childcare is available upon request. To register, please fill out the new member form available at www.smccpby.com or in the church office. Contact [email protected] or (626) 282-4181 x 19.
Circle of women returnsMondays*, 7:15 – 8:45 pm, Church Lounge (Childcare available upon request)Thursdays*, 9:15 – 11:00 am, Church Lounge (Childcare provided)*Thursday Circle resumes September 8, Monday Circle resumes September 12
There is nothing that can take the place of the deep bonds women share when they walk closely together through all that life has to offer. The Circle of Women offers two opportunities for all women, of every age, to journey together in faith. Come create deep and lasting friendships, experience the support of a community of caring, loving, and fun women and grow in faith through the study of God’s wonderful love letter, the Bible.
This fall Circle of Women launches a very exciting journey of discovery through studying the book of Exodus. Exodus is the extraordinary story of God’s vision to fashion a people that will alter the course of the world as they bear witness to the redemptive power of God’s love and purpose.
San Marino Community Church 1750 Virginia Road San Marino, CA 91108Tel: (626) [email protected]
(usps) 126-520Published by San Marino Community ChurchPublished monthly except January & AugustPeriodical Postage Paid at Pasadena, CA
Postmaster: Send Address Changes to 1750 Virginia Road, San Marino, CA 91108-2597
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONSSeptember 2016 edition
Sunday worship
9:00 am Traditional & Contemporary Worship
10:30 am Classic Worship (Starting 9/11)
10:30 am Adult Education
Deadline for October 2016 Issue: September 9, 2016
San Marino Community Church launches a new and improved website in early September. The new site has had a thorough revision and will feature new
New SmCC website Debuts in Septemberspaces for sermons (both video and audio), lists of ministry opportunities, and updated activity pages.
Over 60% of online visits are now estimated to be via mobile devices such as phones or ipads. The new church website is designed specifically with mobile users in mind.
First time worship visitors report that finding and viewing the church’s website was a determining factor in their decision to try San Marino Community Church.
This new updated and more user-friendly website will be just one more tool for members and friends to use to invite others to join them at SMCC.
The new site will continue to see improvements and enhancements over the coming months. Please check out all that SMCC has to share! Questions, contact Rev. James Baird: [email protected].
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come into his presence with singing.
Know that the LORD is God.It is he that made us,
and we are his;we are his people,
and the sheep of his pasture.
Psalm 100:1-3 (NRSV)
On Sunday, September 11, celebrate with the launch of a brand new worship service at 10:30 am in the Sanctuary. It is exciting as the leadership prepares to bring creativity and energy to this new experience for God’s people. The entire church family is grateful for the roots that the 11:15 Gathering service planted in the church’s worship narrative and it is those roots that have allowed the church to dream about what could be.
Q&a aBoUT The New 10:30 ClaSSIC SerVICe
Q: Who will be preaching?A: The same person preaching
at the 9:00 traditional service will usually preach at 10:30.
Q: What about music?A: SMCC’s Ensemble under Dr.
Glen DeLange will lead the music.
Q: Is it formal? Are pastors wearing robes?
A: No and no.
Q: What is unique about this service?
A: Among a number of things the Sacrament of Communion will be celebrated every Sunday.
Q: What about Adult Education?
A: Adult Education will continue at 10:30 am.
Q: What about children?A: Children are always welcome
in worship. Child care and Sunday school will also be provided.
Want to know more? Contact Rev. Jan Cook, Senior Associate Pastor at (626) 282-4181 x 20 or [email protected].
New Classic worship Begins!Sundays, 10:30 am, Sanctuary
First Service: Sunday, September 11
how can our entire church family join in helping these efforts? Five things
Be Informed1. : Know the unique qualities of the service and be able to answer questions (See Q&As.)
Be on the Team:2. Stay or come to the Sanctuary immediately following the 9:00 services and help set up. It will be a fast turnaround and extra hands are always welcome!
Be Present:3. Make it a point to attend the 10:30 am service once a month as it finds its footing.
Be Positive4. : Get excited with us and share your excitement!
Be in Prayer:5. Pray that the church will pay attention to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in planning and creating.
|CHILDREN|
August 28 Sunday School Kick Off Resumes Sundays 9 am, Lower Courtyard and Upstairs Classrooms. Childcare offered from 7:30 am – 12 pm. Children’s Programming in the Lower Courtyard offered during 10:15 worship service. September 14 Music & Discovery Begins Resumes Wednesdays After school until 4:30 pm Upstairs Classrooms September 21 American Girls & Treeclimbers Kick Off Meets Wednesdays twice monthly 4:15 pm – 6 pm Upstairs Classrooms September 25 3rd Grade Bible Presentation 8 am Family Breakfast followed by 9 am worship service. October 30 Candy Packaging Party 10:00 am, Friendship Courtyard Get together, pack up candy and free tickets to our Family Movie Night, and distribute to your friends and neighbors. It’s a great way to meet new people and introduce your friends to SMCC’s fun events. December 24 Christmas Nativity Pageant 4pm Worship Service; all children may participate as a shepherd or angel.
|STUDENTS|
September 7 High School Fellowship Kick Off Resumes Wednesdays 7 pm – 8:15 pm, Westminster Hall September 11 Middle School Fellowship Kick Off Resumes Sundays 6 pm – 7:30 pm, Westminster Hall October 9 Confirmation Class Begins Sundays, 10:15 am, Westminster Hall October 18 SMCC Ringers Handbell Choir Tuesdays, 7pm – 8:15 pm, Choir Room. Join SMCC’s new handbell choir! We will learn music to ring in the Christmas season. 6th grade & up. November 6 Pumpkin Smash 6 pm – 8 pm Meet at our neighbor church, Church of Our Savior. Bring your old pumpkins for a smashing good time. Food, fun and games! November 11 - 13 High School Retreat High school worship retreat in Big Bear.
December 11 Middle School Christmas Party 6pm, Westminster Hall. Wear your favorite ugly Christmas sweater and bring a gift for the “White Elephant” gift exchange! December 14 High School Christmas Party 6pm, Westminster Hall. Celebrate the end of the year festivities. Bring a gift for the “White Elephant” gift exchange!
|FAMILY|
August 28 Kick-Off Sunday 9am worship returns. Enjoy food, fellowship, and games after worship. September 3 Thrive Fall Kick-Off 7:30 pm, Fellowship Hall. Mid-week contemporary worship. September 11 & December 11 Union Station 5pm, SMCC Kitchen. Help prepare and serve a meal to Union Station Homeless Services in Pasadena.
October 23 Harvest Festival: Chili Cook Off & Potluck 5pm – 7pm, Fellowship Hall
November 6 Family Movie Afternoon: “Zootopia” 4 pm, Fellowship Hall. Enjoy snacks, crafts, & fun for the whole family. November 13 Mission Market 9 am – 12 pm Friendship Courtyard Purchase handmade gifts to help support our mission partners! November 27 Advent Workshop 10:30 am – 12:30 pm. Fellowship Hall December 4 Tree Lighting, Caroling & Hot Chocolate 5 pm – 5:30 pm, Friendship Courtyard December 24 Christmas Eve Worship Services Live nativity scene; Contemporary and Traditional Worship Services. 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm & 10pm
Family Ministries 2016 Fall Calendar San Marino Community Church
(626) 282 – 4181 | 1750 Virginia Rd., San Marino
Rev. Becca Bateman, Associate Pastor for Family Ministries: [email protected] Family and Children’s Ministries: FamilyMinistries@ smccpby.com
Student Ministries: [email protected]