Shepherd of the Sierra Presbyterian Church

Shepherd of the Sierra Presbyterian Church 5400 Barton Road, Loomis, CA 95650 916-652-4851

www.shepherdpres.org

Our church ministry staff met weeks ago to talk about this edition of the

Shepherd newsletter. We discussed a number of subjects to feature as we moved

from Lent/Easter into Eastertide/Pentecost. These plans had been decided before

any of the COVID-19 realities had emerged; and now looking at the items we

had selected, they seemed less than ideal since we do not know when the

restrictions of gathering will end. While ministry has not ceased, many of the

plans that we had scheduled were not going to happen in this time of uncertainty. Our decision was

namely this, to focus on some key events of the past few months.

In this edition, you will hear about the joint choirs from Shepherd and Westminster. You will

hear about a fun overnight event for the youth of our area. And, you will read and see what

happened on March 7 when we had over 100 people at Shepherd packaging meals for those in need

around the world. It is my hope that as you read about these experiences in our immediate past

you will be able to celebrate what was accomplished and at the same time to anticipate what will

come in our future.

I have been enjoying the opportunity to share with you through the daily meditations as well as

our virtual worship. Each of these opportunities has stretched us in good ways. We are forced to

rethink what is important and how we engage with you as individuals and a congregation. We do not

know how much longer this new reality will last, but until we return to some sense of normal, we

will continue to connect with you as best as we can.

May this edition of our newsletter be a connection that brings some joy in your heart. We are part

of a wonderful community of faith. May these reflections allow you to see some of the ways that

we have been faithful to our call as disciples of Jesus. May the coming weeks and months find us all

anticipating the ending of these social restrictions, while at the

same time, discovering new ways to be the church in this time.

In Christ,

Pastor Dave

April, 2020

Staff

David Ratcliff Pastor

Karin Fowler Parish Associate

Cathy Lovejoy Director of Christian

Education

Ashley Neufeld Youth Leader

Julie Adams Music Director

Stephanie Tillman Arts & Culture

Coordinator

Meagan Kilpatrick Pianist

Paul Enneking Church

Administrator

Kristi Heckelman Finance Clerk

Carol Nielsen Administrative

Assistant

Alicia Willson Nursery Caregiver

Holly Abplanalp Janitor

Nathan Sommerville

Janitor

Friends, it is remarkable to me that only a few weeks ago our choir hosted the

Westminster Presbyterian Church Choir for a two-weekend event, our Festival of Voices.

So much has happened in the world since then. We met on Saturday, February 29th, and

had a time of learning and fellowship, and then we sang two beautiful Lenten anthems

together, one week at Shepherd, the next at Westminster.

I often share my belief that music is a wonderful way to join together to create beauty

in community. Our time with Westminster felt that way. The music was powerful, and

the spirit filled the spaces. I am so grateful for music-making that brings people together

and glorifies God.

Let’s continue to find ways to be “together” in our own homes in the coming weeks.

Let’s see how the spirit fills the spaces between us.

Peace to you all,

Julie

Reflections on the Festival of Voices

by Julie Adams, Music Director

Special thanks to the string quartet

who accompanied the choir.

Shepherd and Westminster

Choirs on March 1, 2020

Elders Melanie Boyd

Ron Cojerean

Debby Dillon

Larry Hendrick

Camille Leonhardt

Rick Rodgers

Cheryl Snyder

Bob Swanton

Rick Wilson

Clerk of Session Melanie Boyd

Deacons Sue Bordelon

Darlene Gronhovd

Les Huber

Doug Jaynes

Joan Nordine

Debbie Pearsall

Rita Peterson

Ralph Richardson

Shirley Richardson

Susie Rodgers

Guy Roland

Jim Sipes

Stephen Leaders Sharon Brundage

Andrea Chin-Mitchel

Charlotte Greenhalge

Diana Pellegrin

Stephen Ministers Sarah Jo Andrews

Reta Blanchard

Ellen Brown

Charlotte Greenhalge

Barbara Huber

Joyce Michelmore

Carol Penn

Steve Wright

On Friday, February 20th the annual overnighter called Ridiculousness was held. The

event gets its name because it’s truly a ridiculous night. This is a Sacramento Presbytery-

wide event and has become something the youth really look forward to.

The night starts at 10 p.m. with gathering and seeing friends from other churches that

we connect with at other events like Triennium and Westminster Woods. Fostering those

friendships and faith together is the driving force behind these events.

The youth are brought together for a joint game as a bit of an icebreaker. They

listened to some great songs and did some dancing. That was followed by a sermon given

by Rev. Garrett Andrew on walking like Jesus walked and living like Jesus loves you.

Understanding all that you can change in the world. There were tons of game options like

basketball, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, a climbing wall, and Frisbee golf. This year we also

added an “introvert zone” for those kids who just

wanted to chill. There were movies, video games and

board games. All together we had just over 100 youth!!

Thanks to everyone for your continued support.

A Night of Ridiculousness by Ashley Neufeld, Youth Leader

Thank You, Shepherd of the Sierra! by Earl Boyd On March 7, approximately 150 kind, generous, hard-working members of S.O.S., and their friends,

gathered and packed 30,024 meals to provide nourishment for children and families around the world.

Over $10,000 was contributed by the Shepherd congregation. THANK YOU!

Rise Against Hunger strives to build resilience and self-sufficiency in under-served communities.

It distributes food and life-changing aid to the most vulnerable. Their stated goal is to mobilize the

necessary resources to end hunger by 2030. Once the meals are shipped, we expect to receive an email

with information as to where the meals were sent and the programs they will support. We will keep you

posted!

Thank you for your enthusiastic support for this amazing

program.

Shepherd of the Sierra Presbyterian Church 5400 Barton Road, Loomis, CA 95650 916-652-4851

www.shepherdpres.org