Newsletter

FEBRUARY 2011

THE PURPOSE DRIVEN CHURCH

My boss at Malmstrom AFB gave me Rick Warren’s book: The Purpose Driven Church, and he said, “John, this book
will change your ministry.” I read it, and he was right – the biblical principles Rick used to develop Saddleback
Church gave solid answers to what the church is to be. Rick cautions readers not to “copy” Saddleback’s story, but
we should be able to learn key lessons and principles from what they have learned.

Warren defines success as fulfilling the Great Commission. He also says, “Success is not being larger than some
other church; it is bearing as much fruit as possible given our gifts, opportunities, and potential.” Rick challenges
us to focus on church health, rather than church growth. When congregations are healthy, they grow the way God
intends. I like what he says about a healthy church: “A church’s health is measured by its sending capacity, not its
seating capacity.” We can be encouraged by this, as we do send out missionaries at home and abroad.

Our council will be reading this book as an equipping tool to help us discover God’s purpose for Sierra Lutheran
Church. Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” God has a special purpose for our
church. We need to find out where He is doing His work and join Him in that effort – then blessing will follow
blessing! Even though some have read this book and it has been around for some time, the truths in it regarding
purpose and what is a healthy church are timeless. God has given each church a mandate to expand the Kingdom
of God in its own unique way and in its own unique setting.

I pray that as we focus on what is key: bringing people into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, that we might
discover as a Body how best to do that in our own setting. I leave you with a challenging question from Rick
Warren: “Are you seeing the fruit of new converts being added to your congregation?” The life-changing Holy
Spirit is with us to fulfill that purpose. Our task is to open our hearts to God’s unchanging plan for the world and
do whatever we can to join God in this exciting work and win one more for Jesus!

Pastor John

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PRAYER CONFERENCE
CHURCH EVENTS:
Bjorn Pedersen will be here March 5 to do a one-day Prayer Conference in
preparation for our 40 days of Prayer and Fasting. Many of you heard Feb. 5: Hope & Joy
Bjorn in the fall of 2009, and know how effective and inspirational he is as Bible Study
a speaker. Bjorn is the head of Prayer Watch International and has a vision
Feb. 12: Wild At Heart
to establish prayer centers around the world, planting prayer intercessors in Dinner & Dance
those places, praying around the clock, preparing for Christ’s Second
Coming. We’re going to invite other churches to join us as he not only March 5: Bjorn Pedersen
teaches on prayer and fasting, but renewal in the Holy Spirit. A continental one – day Prayer
breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m., with the conference going from 9:00 Conference
a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A lunch will be served and donations are accepted. A
free-will offering will be received to cover Bjorn’s travel expenses. This is
a crucial time in the life of our congregation, let’s go to God during the 40
days that follow the conference and see what mighty things He has in store
for our church.

FREEFALLING NEWS:
There has been some concern brought to my attention about our
upcoming mission trip to Mexico. I wanted to address some things in
this article and hopefully it will put some of these concerns at bay.
First off the Lord gave me a word a few months back about being on
the lookout for the spirit of fear. There is a major difference in the
spirit of fear and the fear of the Lord. For instance we are called to
fear the Lord not like a warden but as a Father, and more importantly
a loving Father that wants to teach us and mold us into his image (And
have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the
image of its creator Colossians 3:10). The spirit of fear would have us
believe that God does not really love us and therefore won’t keep his It’s important to remember that
promise to take care of us. as Christians we are never
called to be comfortable. We
The mountain community youth groups have gathered under one flag will be in constant labor for the
to go into Mexico and build a home for a very needy family. We are Lord and in turn the Lord grants
all called to love each other as Christ loves the Church. There is a risk us peace and love that only he
in going there. We did not sugar coat anything for the kids or their can give. As always we will
parents. We had a meeting explaining everything and all the parents need lots of prayer for this
understand. If you look at the facts, yes there are a lot of bad things endeavor and thank you for all
happening in Mexico right now, but there are a lot of bad things your prayers up to this point. I
happening to down town Fresno as well. Statistics show that it’s more look forward to returning home
likely to get struck by lightning in the US than it is for an American to and having some kids give a
be killed in Mexico. Where we are going is down past where the hot very powerful testimony about
spots are and we are standing on the rock that is God and are this trip. If there are any other
confident this will be an amazing learning experience for the kids. concerns or questions please
We want them to experience true church family oneness. call me or email and I would be
more than happy to chat.
As I said before, we are going with Auberry community church and
are going to be under their insurance if need be. Rob Morton and his Thanks again,
2 team have been going to the same place in Mexico for the last ten Robert DuPree
years without any major issues. We are taking 43 people and looking
forward to a great time serving the Lord.
 WORSHIP TEAM
2010 Annual Report

January 20, 2011

Gregg and I have almost completed a year of leadership with the Praise and Worship
Team. It was some time in February, 2010 when Kay phased out of leadership, and we phased
in. I am proud to say that the team has remained strong and devoted. We have five
instrumentalists, two signers, sound tech and nine vocalists. We also support others through
special music.

As well as leading worship music every Sunday and for some special services, we are a
prayer group. This year we have seen amazing results of our intercessions. There have been
numerous physical healings, protected marriages, and the blessing of health to name a few.

We as a team are committed to sharing the gifts that God has bestowed on us. We serve out
of joy. This year we hope to improve even more. Gregg and I purchased DVDs with music theory
teaching and worship strategies. We plan to view a few of these this year during our Thursday
evening practices. We will also continue to introduce new music and expand our repertoire.

Our hope is to continue to provide opportunity for our church body to come into the
presence of God through music. We see our role as preparers of the word. If through our music,
people can open up their spirits, then their hearts will be ready to absorb the truth of the pastor’s
message.

Of course we would not love our jobs as much as we do if it weren’t for our loving and
supportive church body. You encourage us! Thank you.

Submitted by,

Jodi Jordan

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 ATTENTION LADIES KITCHEN CORNER

Beth Moore is coming to Fresno! OUR MISSION STATEMENT:

To know and serve JESUS CHRIST THROUGH
Friday Night April 1 & HIS KITCHEN.
Saturday Morning April 2
“FEED MY SHEEP: (John 21: 15-16-17)
Cost $65.00
If you’re interested you can register at HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

http://www.lifeway.com/event/?id=39 We have a full schedule coming up and we truly

beg for your help.
or contact Jodi Jordan
By the time you receive this newsletter we will have
served you breakfast on Jan. 23 as we will have had our
church meeting.
Hope you enjoyed it.

FEB 12: 6:00 pm

HOPE & JOY WILD AT HEART DINNER
SERVING STEAK OR CHICKEN
Hope & Joy ladies invite you to join
them for a potluck luncheon and bible MARCH 5TH Sat.
study. Saturday Feb. 5th at noon…at with BJORN PETERSON
the home of Elida Baker…it’s a week We will have a continental breakfast and light lunch.
early in Feb. due to the Valentine’s
Dinner Party…Bible study will be,
MARCH 16, 23 & 30
“The Canaanite Woman”, persevering
in prayer. Please RSVP to Elida at APRIL 6 & 13
855-8181. Our outreach for the month LENT Wed. night, light suppers and service
is baby clothing, blankets, diapers, etc.
for Pregnancy Care….new or PLEASE SIGN UP TO BE IN CHARGE OF ONE
GENTLY used items. OF THE WED. NIGHT SUPPERS

Any Question contact Shirley Markus


Ch u rch Ch oi r: N o Au dition s We we re ble s s e d with th e mu s ic of D e bra Col l i v e r,
pi an i s t, an d th e S L C Ch oir th is pas t C h ris tmas S e as on . Th e Ch oir h ad a
s h ort h ol i day th is J an u ary bu t will re s u me re he ars als on Tu e s day , Fe bru a ry
1 5 th at 7 :0 0 pm. We will pre s e n t mu s ic to e n h an ce th e S criptu re an d th e
Pas tor‘s s e rmon . Th e Ch oir will be gin re h e ars in g mu s ic f or Palm S u n day ,
H ol y We e k an d Eas te r S u n day . All v o ice s are we lcome ! Ple as e join u s .
Call if y ou h av e a n y qu e s tion s .

Fran G arwick , 3 2 3 -6 6 03
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 ―This article has been printed at the request of one of our members as a means
of sharing how God is working in her life. All articles in this newsletter are
intended to share information, and help build up the body at Sierra Lutheran
Church.‖

RE-FOCUS!

I love when the Holy Spirit presents a new idea, something new to focus on. The past few years,
as a church body, we have had more than our fair share of difficult issues and concerns that we
have had to deal with. Sometimes these are necessary steps to bring us to a new place. I have
recently felt that quite possibly, due to the success of efforts, we have become very good at
focusing on the negative. This year, the Holy Spirit is challenging me to begin to re-focus.

Instead of looking at ―What could go wrong‖, ―Are we responsible‖ or ―How could we be liable‖, I
have been instructed to look at ―What might go right‖, ―What can we allow‖, ―What is the
potential of saying ‗YES‘‖, and ―How do we promote a safe place to make mistakes as we grow
and spread our spiritual wings?‖ I have realized that fear causes me to want to control and it
really reveals how much trust I do or do not put into my relationship with Jesus, the Holy Spirit‘s
ability to guide, and God‘s direction in moving us into His Kingdom Living.

Issues like:

 Honor (putting others above ourselves and submitting to one another);

 Unity (being of a common spirit and direction regardless of our personal opinions);
 Love (being like Jesus in our actions toward others)

would suddenly become ―do‖able. I would begin to enjoy my ministry in our body more and look
for places to participate. My relationship with Christ and others would improve (listening, giving,
edifying…). I might even become more fun to be around. Imagine the possibilities!

I guess this is God‘s Word In My Life, today. I‘d really love to hear what God is saying to each of
you too.

Tam Sanders

VALENTINE BLESSINGS
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 Wild At Heart Party

PRIZES !!!

Hurry! Only 80 individual Tickets Will Be Sold!

WONDERFUL DOOR PRIZE TO WIN!

All sorts of silent auction items can be yours.

Each table will be decorated by a different host.

Centerpieces will be raffled off!

Food prepared by the kitchen ministry!

Don‘t miss out! Be there!

Saturday, February 12th

Sierra Lutheran 6 – 10:30 pm

DINNER! ENTERTAINMENT! LINE DANCING!

Tickets are $15.00 per person.

Singles are wanted!

See a Friendship Ministry Member.

Bob and Carole Actis, Dave and Joni Bunnell
Paul and Arlene Jumps and Shirley Markus

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 Health Matters:
Parish Nursing Report

Your vision is very important. How often have you had your eyes checked by a licensed
optometrist or ophthalmologist? You should have this done every two years, especially if you
are over 40 years old. You probably wonder why since the reading glasses you buy at a drug
store seem to work well for reading but there are some concerns about this type of self diagnosis.
Glaucoma can cause blindness. Most commonly, it affects adults between the ages of 40 to 65.
It can cause pressure to build up in the eye and cause damage to the optic nerve in the back of the
eye. Only a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist can diagnose glaucoma. This is done by
applying a very gently puff of air to the naked eye to measure the measure or resilience in the
eye. This should be done every time you get your eyes checked…which is every two years.
The treatment for glaucoma can be very simple. Prescription eye drops can lower the pressure in
the eye and prevent damage to the optic nerve. I encourage you to make an appointment with
your eye doctor and be checked for this disorder.

Fran Garwick, Nurse Practitioner

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS:

There will be a meeting for

everyone interested in volunteering
for Sunday School on
February 20th right after
first service
in room 2.
I’m looking for volunteers
to serve once
every eight weeks.

Any Questions Please Contact:

Samantha Flanagan DuPree

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 Sierra Lutheran Church Leadership
January 2011
Ministry Teams of Purpose Administration Staff Executive Board Vision At Large
Worship Team Leaders Pastor Council President Council Elder
Gregg and Jodi Jordan John Saethre Jeff Sanders Dave McCann
Shelley Telles

Friendship Team Church Administrator Council Vice President Council Elder

Leaders Lori Pape Jerry Garwick Mike Jolley
Bob Actis
Carole Actis
Youth Ministry Council Secretary Council Elder
Outreach Team Leader Robert DuPree Becki LaVoy-Jordan Randell Widner
Lynda Qualls

Discipleship Children’s Ministry Council Treasurer Council Elder

Team Leader Samantha Flanagan-DuPree Anne Widner Doug Baker

Service and Bookkeeper

Spiritual Development Anne Widner
Trustee
Team Leader Mike Jolley
Resource Coordinator—
Church Secretary
Volunteer Staffed Parish Nurse
8 Fran Garwick
 February 2011 Worship Assistants

February 6 February 13 February 20 February 27

Altar Guild Susan/Shelley Shelley Shelley/Susan Shelley

Greeters 9 am Pam & Barbara John & Joyce Alan & Sue Gloria & Stacey

11 am Jim & Shirley T. George Jerry & Carol Randell & Anne

Ushers 9 am Dave & Joni C‘Rae & Bill Jim & Pat John & Joyce
& & & &
Stacey Jenny Linda W. Bob

11 am Jim & Shirley T. George Jerry & Carol Randell & Anne

Readers 9 am Jodi Mike Chris Alan

11 am Fran Stan Lynda Q. Shelley

God‘s Word 9 am ---- ??? ---- ???

Computer 9 am Tim Tim Shelley Shelley

Communion 9 am John & Lori Mike & Joyce R

Assistants & Debby & Fern

11 am Lynda T. George

Prayer 9 am Yes Yes

Stations

If you are unable to serve when scheduled please ask one of the other assistants to trade dates or provide a substitution for you,
and notify Worship Coordinator Shelley Telles (855-5703) of the change.

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 February 2011
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 3 4 5
6:16-7:15pm CoDA 6:30pm-Praise Team Noon – Hope & Joy
7pm-Choir Practice 7pm-AA Meeting

6 7 8 9 10 11 12
9am Celebration 7pm-AA Meeting 6:16-7:15pm CoDA 6:30pm-Praise Team 9am- Joseph’s
11am-Heritage 7pm-Choir Practice 7pm-AA Meeting Store House
4pm-AA Meeting 6-10:30pm – Wild
6:33pm –Ascend 633 At Heart Party

13 14 15 16 17 18 19
9am Celebration 7pm-AA Meeting 6:16-7:15pm CoDA 6:30pm-Praise Team
11am-Heritage Valentine’s 7pm-Choir Practice 7pm-AA Meeting
4pm-AA Meeting
6:33pm –Ascend 633
Day

20 21 22 23 24 25 26
9am Celebration 7pm-AA Meeting 6:16-7:15pm CoDA 9am-Food Bank 6:30pm-Praise Team
11am-Heritage 7pm-Choir Practice 7pm-AA Meeting
4pm-AA Meeting
6:33pm –Ascend 633

27 28
9am Celebration 7pm-AA Meeting
11am-Heritage
4pm-AA Meeting
6:33pm –Ascend 633

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