Grace Presbyterian Church 2100 Tice Valley Boulevard Walnut Creek, CA 94595 Sunday Worship at 10 AM www.gracewc.

org April 2014 WELCOME STATEMENT

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We welcome and celebrate all who join us the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the gay and the straight, the strong and the weak, the meek and the brave and though we are different one from another, we are united in loving and praising God and in loving each other.
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55 Years and counting... 19582014

Grace

IN THE WORLD
APRIL 201 4

Dear Grace-filled friends, April showers bring May flowers. Certainly this is our hope, particularly this year when we are still suffering from a drought of many years. Is this dry period the new norm? The little bit of rain in February and March has everyone cheering as if the drought is over, yet authorities tell us it is not. At times we can feel as if we are in a spiritual drought. Our souls feel parched for lack of nourishment or for being over burdened by loss, grief, depression, or other struggle. A little rain (a hug, a prayer, a call from a friend) can give us momentary refreshment, but if it is not sustained then the dryness can return--and we wonder if this spiritual drought may be the new norm. And we may question how long we will be able to survive. There are various solutions suggested for the environmental drought. Conservation is the first arm of defense--make our supplies last longer. There is occasional mention of long-term solutions such as increasing our reservoirs, desalinization water plants, and bringing water in from Oregon and Washington. These ideas suggest how we can tend to our dry interior landscapes. Conservation is a good beginning. If you are feeling spiritually in need it can be good to conserve your energy by saying no to the things that drain you. If you feel overburdened in the caregiving arena, then you may need to say no to another request for your help. You may increase your spiritual reservoir by intentionally adding to your day something that you know will nourish your soul: go for a walk, count the stars, call a friend, go to a movie, listen to music, or sing a hymn. The next step can be to add something significantly new: see a counselor or spiritual director, join a support group or prayer team, or possibly engage in meaningful volunteer/mission work. In the gospel of John we are told that after Jesus had been crucified the disciples hid behind locked door in fear for their lives. They were distraught, fearful, anxious, weary, and the risen Christ encountered them and said, Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me so I send you. And with that he breathed upon them the Holy Spirit. Jesus desires to revive our souls, to give life to those who are burdened, to offer living water to those who thirst. May you know Gods presence and refreshment. May Jesus, the Water of Life, give life to your parched soul. Blessings, Roger Upcoming Sundays ............ 2 New Members Class ........ 2 Earth Day at Grace ............ 2 New Gallery Exhibitor ........ 2 Honoree of the Month ........ 3 Radical Hospitality ............. 3 Calendar ......................... 4-5 CCIC .................................. 6 Are Your Affairs in Order? .. 6 Crab Feed Recap............... 6 Grace in the Family ............ 7 Men of Grace ..................... 7 Courtyard Benches ............ 7 Mens Club ......................... 7 Easter Lilies ....................... 7 WORSHIP WITH US SUNDAYS 10:00 AM, Sanctuary 11:00 AM, Join us for Fellowship in the Fireside Room CONTACT US Regular Office Hours, M-F 9 to 3

Maundy Thursday
Potluck 6:00 PM Worship 7:00 PM

Good Friday
Worship with readings and dance 4:00 PM at Gateway Clubhouse in Rossmoor

gracepreschurchwc@gmail.com 925-935-2100 www.gracewc.org

Easter Sunday
Worship 10:00 AM Bring flowers for the cross

PASTORS & STAFF: Pastor: Roger Reaber Pastor Emeritus: Charie Reid Pastor Emeritus: Robert Williams Parish Associate: Diana Barkley Music Director: Steve Cram Office Manager: Judy Williams Financial Scty.: Jennifer Wallace

MAY GITW Article submission Deadline: April 10

April Worship at Grace; Sundays at 10 AM

Apr 6 Sunday Sermon: Unbind Them (Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 11:32-45) Apr 13 Palm-Passion Sunday: Journeying with Jesus through readings and songs (Matt 21:1-11, Matt 26:14; 27:66) Apr 20 Easter Sunday: Whats Your Story? (Matt 28:1-10, Acts 10:34-43). Bring flowers to add to the Resurrection Cross.

GRACE IN THE FAMILY

Happy April Birthdays!

2Ella Busquets 3Kathi Stidwell 7Betsy Williams 8Jeanette Pearson 14Mark Quackenbush 18BJ Boone 18Daniel Pack 19Maryanne Sanchez 20Marilyn Squire 24Kathy Paul 25Sharon Lyons 26Carolyn McKenzie 29Amy Price 27Bryce Bonde 30Melinda Boxold

MEN OF GRACE BECOME CONFESSIONAL FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 10:00 AM Men of Grace meet 10 am Friday April 11th to review a proposed addition to our church's constitution--the Book of Confessions part-when our Presbyterian USA 221st General Assembly convenes in Detroit, Michigan, June 14-21. The Belhar Confession was first adopted by a synod of the Dutch Reformed Mission Church in 1982 with an accompanying letter as a cry for help in overcoming the oppressive government's imposition of apartheid. It called for a new beginning for us, so that we can be free together, and walk together the road of reconciliation and justice..." Clifton Kirkpatrick, co-moderator of the committee making this recommendation states, "Our hope is our church will support and live Belhar as a faithful witness to the unity, justice, and reconciliation that God intends for the denomination." Copies (4 pages) of the confession and the letter can be obtained at church office or from pastor emeritus Robert Williams 925-935-7377.

Apr 27 Earth Day Sunday: A Watershed Response Apr 17 Maundy Thursday: Potluck Dinner (Gen 1:1-2, 20-22, Psalm 104:10-28, in the Oak Room at 6 PM plus Ezekiel 34:17-18). Worship in the Sanctuary at 7 PM The Grace Cooperative Preschool Families Apr 18 Good Friday Worship: Gateway clubhouse will join us at the in Rossmoor at 4 PM. Ecumenical service beginning of worship with hosted by the Methodist Church of Rossmoor. their children leading us in songs. Come hear readings, songs and enjoy liturgical dance.

New Members Class Sunday, April 6 11:20 AM

Would you like to learn more about Grace Church? Get some coffee and a snack and join Rev. Reaber in the Conference Room to hear all about becoming a member of Grace Church.

Earth Day Celebration at Grace Preschool

Community members are invited to join us in a celebration of Earth Day at Grace Cooperative Preschool on Sunday, April 27. The preschool classes will sing at the 10:00 AM church service and all are invited to an open house at the school with Earth Day themed activities and a show featuring Jungle James Animal Adventures.

NEW COURTYARD BENCHES Don Lyons and trustee, Earnie Cunningham, have been hard at work refurbishing the courtyard benches. Don elevated the seating for more comfort and stability and installed new and refurbished redwood to come up with the clean new look. A couple of benches were removed to make landscape maintenance easier. As this publication goes to print, the project is well underway. Thank you so much Don and Earnie for all your hard work. In Memory Ann McConville August 11, 1920 to March 2, 2014 Dorothea McGhee April 12, 1923 to March 12, 2014 Memorial Service is Saturday, April 5th 10:30 AM.

Grace commemorates Earth addicted to leaving places cleaner that she Day with art show
Reuse Personified is the name of a new art show coming to our Fireside Room on Saturday, April 19 through Wednesday, April 30. The show will feature one-of-akind wall art by assemblage artist Mary Ellen Ratcliff of Rossmoor. She transforms discards into art with heart.I can attest to that, said Pat Devine-Cummings, a member of Grace Church. I have one of her pieces. We designed it together. Its created from part of my grandmothers meat grinder and some miscellaneous pieces of metal I had. And I love it. Mary Ellen admits that she is 2

Remember someone with lilies for Easter

At Easter we remember those who have gone before us and that Jesus resurrection is a sign of everlasting life. You may wish to memorialize or honor a loved-one with a lily to decorate the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday. Turn in this completed form and donation by dropping in the collection plate on Sundays or to the church office by Wednesday, April 16th to have your remembrance printed in the bulletin on Easter Sunday, April 20. Note: If you wish, you may pick up a plant after worship on Sunday, April 20th, Easter. Left over plants will be delivered to shut-ins. I am donating _$_________ towards purchase of a lily(s). ($6.00 minimum) Donor's name ______________________ Telephone # _______________________ (Please check the appropriate box) Given in memory of Given in honor of Print loved-ones name(s) clearly:

finds them. While dispatching trash, I discover intriguing things with echoes of history. I am pleased to adopt them and give them new life, which incidentally helps the landfill. This work refreshes my spirit, she said. The new art show goes hand-inhand with Earth Day, which will be celebrated on Sunday, April 27. Mary Ellens efforts to clean up the environment is a tiny step in the Earth Day movement, which promotes a cleaner environment.

Mary Ellens grandparents, Harold and Mable Tickner, now deceased, were members of Grace Church in the 1960s. If you knew her grandparents, Mary Ellen would love to chat with you. For more information about Mary Ellens art or to tour her home studio, call 925-324-7435.

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Its always an exciting monthly meeting of the Contra Costa Interfaith Coalition, because we learn more about what the faith community is doing for othersin many cases how we are doing it together. Your dishtowels were welcomed by the St. Johns Episcopal (WC) committee that meets weekly to put together startup supplies for new households. (They are the ones always looking for pots, can openers, and vegetable peelers!) These may be for singles or for families of up to eight people. St. Perpetuas (Lafayette) regularly furnishes kitchen and bathroom supply kits10 a month. St. John Vianny (WC) has a crew that loves garage sales and goes out weekly seeking items for household use and spreads the word on what is being done by the CCIC. Hillside Covenant and WC Presbyterian members respond to people with furniture donations, arranging for pickup and delivery. Christ the King has a daily feeding program and also delivers furniture. Grace furnishes five food boxes monthly (460 so far) and helps coordinate furnishing donations. God is at work in the community and using us daily. Its great to be among Gods people. If youd like to help, please check the bulletin board for the latest CCIC needs list. Sharon Lyons CCIC Grace Representative

CCIC Update for April 2014

DOES YOUR FAMILY KNOW YOUR WISHES? Illness and death are not our favorite topics for conversation, but families want and need to be prepared for emergencies. Grace Church is dedicated to providing spiritual and emotional support during difficult times. We keep files of personal contact and background information for members that request this. We encourage our members to: Give us family contact information in case we are called in an emergency. Notify health care providers, hospitals, and care facilities of your connection with Grace Church. We will visit and offer prayers. Complete Advance Health Care Directives. Prepare biographical information that might be needed for notices or programs. Choose a favorite photo of yourself. Plan your own memorial service. You can select your favorite music, scripture, and speakers, and include a personal statement of faith if you wish. This sounds challenging, but is incredibly helpful to family and friends in distress. Include your desires regarding flowers, memorial gifts and a reception. Review your Will and/or Trust to be sure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. If you are able to include a bequest to Grace Church it will be handled with care and deep gratitude. Learn about Graces Memorial Garden to see if it suits your needs.

April Honoree of the Month Dorothy Miller-Nelson

Dorothy Milller Nelson was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, but was raised in California. Her father was a safety engineer for the oil refineries and his job entailed moving frequently. Fortunately, he promised to stay put when she entered high school, which happened to be Mt. Diablo High School in Concord. She was raised with an older sister, Bettye, who now resides in Texas. It was at high school that she met James Miller. They became sweethearts, and they were married right out of school. They lived for a time in Maryland while Jim was in the service. Then they were off to Los Angeles, where Jim worked for Allied Chemical as a welder. Eventually they moved to Pacheco, where they raised their three children. Im fortunate, said Dorothy, because all of my children live close by. Karen Miller-Perez resides in Livermore; Mike Miller lives in Orinda; and Tom Miller lives in Pleasant Hill. Dorothy enjoys spending time with them and her three grandsons Alex, Michael and Aaron. While the children were small, Dorothy enjoyed serving at the childrens school. She also was a busy chauffeur, as her children were active in sports. When her children were older, she became a student herself earning a degree from Diablo Valley College in hotel and restaurant management. As time permitted, she worked as a caterer and sewed dolls and purses to be sold at craft fairs. Jim died at the young age of 57, after 35 years of marriage. For a time, Dorothy became an inhome caretaker. She enjoyed becoming part of their families, and still keeps in touch with many of her clients and their families. Eventually Dorothy married Carroll Nelson, and they lived together in Walnut Creek. After his death, Dorothy moved to Rossmoor. It was then she joined Grace Church. Dorothy was raised Presbyterian, so she felt comfortable at Grace. During her seven years as a member of Grace, Dorothy has always been a willing volunteer. She served as a Deacon for three years, assisting with communion preparation. Shes also been active helping in the kitchen and in the church office. Dorothy also makes many telephone calls as a follow up to nonmembers who attend Sunday services. In addition, she is a member of the Prayer Chain, which involves telephone calling and, of course, praying for parishioners. Dorothy will be honored for her dedicated volunteer work on behalf of Grace Church after services on Sunday, April 13.

Recent Crab Feed was a hit

We celebrate an outstanding success, thanks to your support. With great thanks to the cookie bakers (outstanding), kitchen helpers, and servers--we realized a total profit of $2,940 to donate to Contra Costa Interfaith Housing and Childrens Home Society of California. This is several hundred dollars more than last year! Participants enjoyed the suspense of the raffle and some great prizes were delivered. Also many thanks to those who donated even though they could not attend. We appreciate your prayers too. We needed them, as we served 91 people 10 more than anticipated! The Crab Feed was sponsored by Witness and Ministry Department. 6

WORSHIP: An Ash Wednesday service was attended by 14 people. While Roger was on study leave, the congregation enjoyed guest preacher The Rev. Dr. Leslie Veen. The decorations for Lent are developing each week behind the pulpit.

sang many crowd-pleasing favorites and even invited everyone to sing along on Volare. His wide-ranging repertoire came from the opera, musical, religious, and classical genres. On the 16th, 105 people filled the sanctuary to hear the 44 members of Chora Nova sing. Rich harmonies filled the air as they presented music from the British Isles. This was their first performance on this side of the tunnel and they were thrilled with the turnout and pleased to gain a new audience. To date, more than 170 tickets have been distributed for the Social

Security play, the spring Presbyterian Womens outreach event. Like the Advent Tea, this promises to be a delightful afternoon, as well as a wonderful reach out to the greater community. COMING ATTRACTIONS: On April 27, the preschool children will sing at the church service as part of an Earth Day celebration. After church, all are invited to an Open House at the preschool, with Earth Day activities and a show featuring Jungle James Animal Adventures. Florence Stone, Outreach Coordinator

Get your ducks in a row...

Are your affairs in order? Please contact the church office if you'd like to make an appointment to set up a personal file. Submitted by Reta Wilcox

OUTREACH: March continued to be a month full of outreach events. On the 9th, David Chavez entertained and amazed about 50 people in the sanctuary with his full clear voice and warm personality. He

Please join in our Radical Hospitality movement. You and your guests will have a wonderful time.

Grace Church Calendar

SUNDAY
SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP

April 2014
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
9:00 Yoga/Parkinsons (O) 9 to 3 AARP Taxes (L) 10:00 Worship & Education(C) 2:00 Harmony Practice (F) 6:30 Bell Choir (S) 7:30 Chancel Choir (S) 7:45 AA (F)

MONDAY

TUESDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1
CConference Room FFireside Room LLibrary OOak Room SSanctuary PASPerforming Arts Society PWPresbyterian Women

ASSIGNMENTS

10:00 Bible Study (L)

Apr. 6 Susanna Circle Apr. 13 Worship & Ed. Apr. 20 Team 4 Apr. 27 Deacons

10:00 Power Prayer (C) 1:30 Growing Old Class (L) 3:00 Standing Ovations (O) 7:00 Class (L) 7:30 SUBUD (F) 10:00 Power Prayer (C) 11:00 Witness & Ministry (C) 11:45 Ether Circle (F) 1:30 Growing Old Class (L) 3:00 Standing Ovations (O) 7:00 Good News Study (F) 7:30 PAS Concert (S, L)

10:00 PW Board (F)

1:00 Bridge (F) 3:15 Deacons (L) 6:00 Debtors Annon. (F)

10:00 ATC Bible Study (L) 11-2 Standing Ovations Theater (O) 10:30 Memorial Service for Dottie McGhee (S, F) 6:30 ATC-Theology Class (L)

5:30 Chess School (F, L, 9)

10:00 Worship/Communion 7 9 to 3 AARP Taxes (L) 11:00 Fellowship (F) 10:00 Parkinsons Yoga (O) 11:20 Good News Study (L) 11:20 New Members Class (C) 1:00 PAS Auditions (S) 3:00 Sierra Chamber Concert (S)

9:00 Business (C) 10:00 Bible Study (L) 1:00 Bridge (F) 3:15 Deacons (L)

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7:30 AA (F)

7:00 Boy Scouts (O)

6:00 Debtors Annon. (F) 7:00 Scout Leaders (L)

9:00 Yoga/Parkinsons (O) 11 9 to 3 AARP Taxes (L) 9:30 Susanna Circle (F) 10:30 Discipleship (C) 10:00 MENS CLUB (L) 12:00 Lydia Circle (F) 2:00 Harmony Practice (F) 6:30 Bell Choir (S) 5:30 Chess School (F, L, 9) 7:30 Chancel Choir (S) 7:45 AA (F) 9:00 Yoga/Parkinsons (O)

12

9:00 PAS Branch Honors Recital (S) 10:00 ATC Bible Study (L) 11-2 Standing Ovations Theater (O) 5:00 Preschool (O) 6:30 ATC-Theology Class (L)

13

10:00 Worship (S) 11:00 Fellowship (F) 11:20 Good News Study (L) 3:00 PAS student Master Class (S) 5:00 MTAC Recital (S) 7:30 AA (F)

14

9 to 3 AARP Taxes (L) 10:00 Parkinsons Yoga (O) 11:00 Needlers (F)

15

10:00 Power Prayer (C) 1:30 Growing Old Class (L) 3:00 Standing Ovations (O) 7:00 Good News Study (F) 7:30 SUBUD (F)

16

10:00 Bible Study (L)

17

18

19

1:00 Bridge (F) 4:00 Session Executive (C) 6:00 Debtors Annon. (F)

2:00 Harmony Practice (F) 6:00 MAUNDY THURSDAY 7:00 Worship (S) 7:45 AA (F)

6:30 Family of Women (F) 7:00 Boy Scouts (O)

Potluck (O)

5:30 Chess School (F, L, 9)

9-10 Parkinsons Group (F) 10:00 Parkinsons Meeting (O) 10:00 ATC Bible Study (L) 11-2 Standing Ovations Theater (S) 2:00 Chess Tournament (O) 6:30 ATC-Theology Class (L)

20

EASTER SUNDAY 10:00 Worship (S) 11:00 Fellowship (F)

21
10:00 Parkinsons Yoga (O)

22
10:00 Power Prayer (C) 3:00 Standing Ovations (O)

23

10:00 Bible Study (L)

24

9:00 Yoga/Parkinsons (O) 9:00 Newsletter Folding (L) 2:00 Harmony Practice (F) 6:30 Bell Choir (S) 7:30 Chancel Choir (S) 7:45 AA (F)

25
10:30 PAS Concert (S) 5:30 Chess School (F, L, 9)

26

1:00 Bridge (F) 6:00 Debtors Annon. (F)

10:00 ATC Bible Study (L) All Day-Purpose Driven Practice (O) 12:00 PAS Vocal Competition (S) 6:30 ATC-Theology Class (L)

7:00 Boy Scouts (O)

27

EARTH DAY 10:00 Worship (S) 11:00 Fellowship (F)

28

10:00 Parkinsons Yoga (O) 11:00 Needlers (F)

29
10:00 Power Prayer (C)

30

10:00 Bible Study (L)

2:00 PAS Concert (S) 3:00 Standing Ovations (O) 7:30 AA (F) 7:00 Boy Scouts (O)

1:00 Bridge (F) 6:00 Debtors Annon. (F) 7:00 Session Meeting (L)